Lab Education Support Associate

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Job ID

361769

Location

Rochester

Job Family

Education-General

Full / Part Time

Full-Time

Regular / Temporary

Regular

Job Code

8315A2

Employee Class

Civil Service

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About the Job

Lab Education Support Associate

Principal responsibility is to assist with laboratory education support services for all science-based disciplines at the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) in a fashion that is

consistent with the environment of respect, inclusiveness, collaboration, and professionalism that makes up the core of the UMR mission.

Laboratory classes may include

chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, biology, and physics. Particular emphasis is given to supporting laboratory services located within One Discovery

Square; a portion of the UMR Campus, while also working with the Laboratory Services Coordinator position to support laboratory activities across the campus. Responsibilities

include managing laboratory space to meet the needs of UMR's academic and teaching / learning research priorities, including daily coordination and preparation of academic instructional lab space;

managing laboratory stock and inventory including oversight of inventory from delivery to disposal; and maintaining compliance with all applicable safety and security regulations including publication of reports as necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities

50% Laboratory organization, set-up, cleanup, and compliance with regulatory requirements

Arrange laboratory materials both for use during and storage between semesters in which the assigned course is offered;

organization should be planned such that

others can reasonably find the materials in absence of the employee.

On a daily / weekly basis, manage laboratory prep room and maintain adequate inventory of consumable and non-consumable stock to meet the needs of the

academic and teaching / learning research missions of the University of Minnesota Rochester. This includes moving materials from storage area, prep area or other labs

into the laboratory being set up; arrangement of materials; oversight of others (e.g., student employees) assisting in lab set-up;

provision of efficient and safe use and

disposal of chemicals or other materials.

Responsibilities may be extended to include inventory and equipment in

teaching / learning laboratories.

• Maintain documentation Keeping notes for lab set up.
• Clean laboratory spaces pre and post instruction, teaching / learning research, or other use; including maintaining all aspects of laboratory facilities and associated
• laboratory and safety equipment. Laboratory cleanup includes moving materials out of the laboratory; proper collection, storage or disposal of leftover reagents, media;
• cleanup of equipment, glassware, benches; proper disposal of hazardous wastes according to University Waste Program guidelines;

and general oversight of anyone assisting in cleanup.

• Manage waste collection and generation from receiving to disposal. This may include online databases and use of autoclave.
• Ensure adequate functionality of laboratory equipment and provide maintenance care and / or arrange for preventative maintenance, repair, calibration, and / or replacement of all equipment associated with laboratory instruction and teaching / learning research needs.
• Supervise and instruct student workers as to the proper procedures to maintain safety and compliance.
• Perform regular safety inspections of equipment and chemical inventory. Address issues as they arise.
• Prepare, draft, review, and / or write standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory experiments and activities to ensure accuracy. This may require

performing the experiments.

30% Ordering and preparation of media, reagents, both living and prepared specimens, and other materials for classes

Procure or assist in procuring of consumable and non-consumable goods and equipment for laboratory instruction and teaching / learning research needs at the

most cost effective price.

Determine which media, reagents, specimens, and other materials are needed for each lab period through reading of laboratory manuals and consultation with faculty

and teaching assistants in the course.

• Place orders to the preparation area and vendors in a timely fashion.
• Maintain cultures of microbes, plants, and animals, preparing these cultures so they are the proper stage of growth / life cycle for the class.
• Perform accurate calculations and manipulations to assure correct preparation of the media and reagents, making the media and reagents themselves if appropriate or necessary, assuring adequate supply of media and reagents during the laboratory.

20% Assist teaching assistants, faculty, and students in the laboratory courses

• Assist faculty instructors in the coordination and management of experiments as necessary or requested.
• Attend lab meetings and / or maintain contact with the lead TA / faculty member to be able to handle any last-minute changes from the faculty and to instruct TAs in any

new protocols / procedures not familiar to them.

• Direct and monitor the work performed by student lab support staff; supervision of student lab support staff may be regularly occurring and / or infrequent in nature and usually required less than 25% of the work week.
• Monitor the labs in order to become aware of issues that may arise and provide

timely resolutions.

Prepare equipment and laboratory supplies for lecture and laboratory classes and experiments, including mixing and maintaining adequate supplies of chemicals and solutions in predetermined quantities specific to the academic instruction.

Work Location and Hours

Pay for this position will be no less than $24 per hour, depending on experience. This is a full-time, 12-month position which requires working on campus 40 hours per week.

Work hours will be Monday through Friday. Your regular work hours will depend upon class schedules for the semester, not to exceed eight (8) hours per day during the hours of 7 : 00am - 6 : 00pm, except during occasional opportunities for troubleshooting.

Qualifications

Qualifications :

Required Qualifications

BA / BS in chemistry, biochemistry, biology or anatomy and physiology, or related degree AND at least 2 years of related experience or a combination of related education and work experience to equal six years

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or background in biology or chemistry plus 2 years experience or a combination of education and work experience to equal 6 years.
• The candidate can demonstrate proven laboratory techniques and has a working knowledge of proper techniques related to chemical handling, storage, and hazardous waste disposal.
• General knowledge of laboratory safety practices and University of Minnesota rules and regulations.
• Proven efficacy in working with a team of diverse backgrounds, age, education, and socioeconomic status.
• The candidate can demonstrate a strong commitment to the University of Minnesota Rochester's goal of creating a positive and inclusive campus climate by advancing

equity and diversity

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.

We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes :

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

How To Apply

Active review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Applications must be submitted online and may be accessed at https : / / r.umn.edu / about-umremployment-opportunities.

Applicants must attach a resume or curriculum vitae to the online application and may also be requested to submit : (1) a cover letter, and (2) a statement of applicant's commitment to supporting

diversity and inclusion. For more information, e-mail umrhr@r.umn.edu.

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.

The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

To learn more about diversity at the U : http : / / diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here.

Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR)

The University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) offers distinctive health sciences education to prepare students for a broad spectrum of current and emerging careers, ranging from patient care to pure and applied research.

Serving more than 750 students in the heart of downtown Rochester, UMR is "recoding the DNA of learning" through individualized experience, personal growth, community engagement, and an integrated health sciences curriculum for tomorrow's health professionals.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).

Our Vision is to transform higher education through innovations that empower graduates to solve the grand health challenges of the 21st century.

In this vibrant context, students are at

the center of all we do - including faculty research focused on the efficacy of educational innovation. By offering a distinctive health sciences education, UMR prepares students for a

• broad spectrum of career pathways including patient care; resilience, wellbeing and mental health; health care research and discovery;
• global health and public policy;

emerging health technologies; and the business and leadership of healthcare.

In its second decade of serving students, the campus community currently serves more than 900 undergraduate and graduate students in the heart of downtown Rochester.

Through creative partnerships, this campus continues to grow in size and influence. At UMR, relationships and research drive student success.

Our strategic growth plan has been aligned with the University of Minnesota System strategic plan (MPact 2025) establishing key metrics and aspirations. Learn more about UMR.