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.
• 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 $19.84 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:

• 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.

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 prioritise 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 University Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts University HSA contributions Disability and employer-paid life insurance Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Financial counselling services Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counselling at no cost.