CARDIA Lab Technician (temporary through August 2027)

The School of Public Health division of Epidemiology and Community Health is seeking applications for a full-time temporary CARDIA laboratory technician (4946 Principal Lab Technician).

This position is temporary for16-months beginning as early as April 20, 2026, and ending August 2027. An extension may be possible depending on work needs and funding.

For Priority Consideration submit applications by March 27, 2026.

Starting Salary is dependent upon the selected candidate's relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity: $26.46 (step 1 $55,036.80 annually)

Work Arrangements:

This position is 100% in-person to support the CARDIA study's goals of facilitating in-person clinical visits with CARDIA participants.Work hours will typically be Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM-3:30 PM or 7:30 AM-4:00 PM, based on the clinical exam calendar. Semi-regular Saturday shifts may be required; during those weeks, the schedule will shift to Tuesday-Saturday

Training & Onboarding: All selected candidates must attend centralized CARDIA exam training in Birmingham, AL (May 11-14, 2026). Travel, lodging, and per diem will be covered by the study. Local onboarding in Minneapolis will occur prior to this training.Onsite Location: Epidemiology Clinical Research Center (ECRC), 1100 Washington Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55415

Center Overview:

The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study examines the development and determinants of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease and their risk factors. It began in 1985-6 with a group of 5115 Black and White men and women aged 18-30 years. The participants were selected so that there would be approximately the same number of people in subgroups of race, gender, education (high school or less and more than high school) and age (18-24 and 25-30 years) in each of four field centers: Birmingham, AL; Chicago, IL; Minneapolis, MN; and Oakland, CA.

The CARDIA laboratory technician will support the collection of biospecimens as part of the CARDIA Study research exam with study participants (who now are a mean age of 65) in concordance with the CARDIA Study protocol.

This position will report to Grace Runnoe, CARDIA Study Coordinator, with ultimate oversight by the CARDIA PI team, Drs. Faye Norby and Weihong Tang.

Position Responsibilities:

Conduct phlebotomy collection during in-person research exams with CARDIA Participants including venipuncture (30%):
o Become certified in all areas of exam laboratory practices
o Complete RCR (research) and HIPAA training
o Perform phlebotomy
o Prepare lab reagents
o Label and organize lab collection equipment such as tubes
o Accurately pipette

Laboratory processes and biospecimen preparation (60%):
o Process blood samples
o Operate centrifuges and other lab machinery
o Organize and maintain sample inventories in freezers
o Pack and ship biospecimens and maintaining shipping logs according to national and study standards
o Maintain daily logbooks according to study protocols
o Participate in mandatory laboratory and study meetings

Other tasks as assigned by the CARDIA Coordinator and study team (10%)
o Cross train and learn other duties
o Perform technical procedures and responsibilities such as data entry and clinical recruitment
o Attends appropriate CARDIA study meetings

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma (or equivalent) with science coursework and/or laboratory or phlebotomy experience totaling at least 4 years combined
• Graduate of an approved/accredited phlebotomy training program (phlebotomy certified or certification-eligible)
• OSHA training in safe blood drawing and biohazard disposal
• Effective attention to detail and organizational skills
• Experience working with diverse populations
• Ability to maintain participant privacy and HIPAA confidentiality standards
• Effective communications skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening)
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Availability to attend centralized training in Birmingham, AL (May 11-14, 2026)

Desired Qualifications:

• Two years of human phlebotomy experience
• Experience with centrifuges and biological sample processing
• Experience with record keeping, logbooks, and data collection
• Experience maintaining and cleaning laboratory equipment

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) is Minnesota's only school of public health, committed to improving the health and well-being of communities worldwide. Through innovative research, learning, and concrete action, we tackle today's biggest health challenges. SPH includes four academic divisions: Biostatistics & Health Data Science, Environmental Health Sciences, Epidemiology & Community Health, and Health Policy & Management.

Ranked nationally by the U.S. News & World Report as the #6 public school of public health, SPH is home to approximately 1,000 students, 130 faculty, and 400 staff across 25 internationally recognized centers. Our academic excellence is highlighted by our #3-ranked Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) and #9-ranked Biostatistics programs.

Pay Range: $26.46 (step 1 $55,036.80 annually); depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% Appointment

Position Type: Civil-Service & Non-Faculty Labor Represented Staff

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

The University 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
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please note: Currently, the University's employment site is limited in how it collects applicant demographic information. Applicants are encouraged to provide their pronouns and/or preferred name within their attached application materials.

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

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.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

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).