NRRI Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Assistant

The Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Assistant will work closely with research staff and provide hands-on analytical chemistry laboratory support. Primary duties will involve processing sediment samples for analysis of organic trace contaminants as well as assistance with routine laboratory tasks including cleaning glassware and laboratory spaces.

This is an hourly temporary position with a time commitment of 20 hours per week at an hourly rate of $22.51/hr.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

Environmental sample preparation (70%):

• Prepare sediment samples for instrumental analysis, including packing extraction cells, operating automated extraction equipment (e.g., Accelerated Solvent Extraction), and concentrating extracts.
• Maintain detailed notes and laboratory records.

Routine laboratory upkeep and assistance (30%):

• Cleaning laboratory glassware, extraction cells, and laboratory spaces.
• Gather and submit laboratory waste for disposal.
• Assist with maintaining laboratory chemical inventories.
• Safely transporting compressed gas cylinders and packages using appropriate carts.

Required Qualifications:

• High School graduation or the equivalent of some science courses and two years of experience in relevant academic and work experience may be substituted.
• The equivalent of at least one year of work and/or thesis-based research experience in an Environmental Analytical Chemistry laboratory.
• Focus and attention to detail to carry out laboratory tasks on time and with good precision.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Effective oral and written communication in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in chemistry.
• Experience processing and analyzing environmental sediment samples for trace organic contaminants, including pesticides and flame retardants.
• Experience operating instrumentation for Accelerated Solvent Extraction.
• Experience operating Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry instrumentation, including Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry.
• Experience processing large analytical data sets in R.

Physical Qualifications:

• This position involves working in a laboratory and handling chemicals while wearing proper PPE, and requires adequate motor skills and hand-eye coordination to efficiently transfer liquids into autosampler vials using micropipettes.
• This position also requires the physical ability to stand for two hours at a time and to lift 50 lbs.
  

The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

1. Applied Ecology and Resource Management
2. Minerals and Metallurgy
3. Materials and Bioeconomy
4. Data Collection and Delivery
5. Commercialization Services

Pay Rate: $22.51 per hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

You are required to attach a cover letter and resume to be considered for this position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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

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.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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).