Ed Pro 2-Ed Ops/Admin

About the Job

Summary of Position:

This position will provide support to courses and programs in the College of Biological Sciences resulting in effective, efficient, safe, and functional instructional laboratories. Support includes coordination of the physiology lab classes, ordering media, reagents, specimens, and other materials. Maintaining cultures of microbes, plants, setting up and cleaning up lab spaces and equipment, trouble-shooting procedures, and equipment. Maintaining and cleaning equipment. Coordinating efficient use of the equipment for several classes to best use University resources. organizing lab space, assisting teaching assistants and faculty, pre-running experiments, assisting students and other staff, and other duties as assigned. A strong candidate will have the ability to perform work independently and be able to provide new directions for the laboratory work. Initial duties will be supporting the Biol 1012-Human Biology: Concepts and Current Ethical Issues and Biol 1015- Human Physiology, Technology, and Medical Devices. The salary range for this position is $47,500-$54,000 depending on qualifications. This is a 10-month, full-time position expected to work 40 hours per week.

This position is an in person, on campus position and can possibly include working on weekends or later at night depending on the needs of the course. This position may include trips to the University of Minnesota Itasca Biological Station to help with packing and moving supplies for our summer programing at the station.

Job Description:

Instructional Support (20%)

• Assist teaching assistants, instructors, faculty and students in the laboratory courses.
• Attend weekly lab meetings and/or maintain weekly contact with the lead TA/Faculty member/instructor to be able to handle any last-minute changes and to instruct TAs in any new protocols/procedures not familiar to them.
• Monitor the labs to become aware of issues that may arise and provide timely resolutions.
• Oversee TAs and students to ensure compliance with all safety regulations.

35% Laboratory Operations & Equipment Management

• Laboratory organization, set-up, cleanup, and compliance with regulatory/safety requirements.
• Expertly plan and schedule lab preparation in advance. This includes the arrangement of all laboratory materials both for use during lab 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 employee.
• On a daily/weekly basis move materials from storage areas, prep areas or other labs into the laboratory being set up; arrangement of materials; oversight of others (e.g., student employees) assisting in lab set-up; clean-up; efficient and safe use and disposal of chemicals or other materials. Keeping notes for lab set up.
• Manage laboratory cleanup which includes moving materials out of the laboratory; proper storage or disposal of leftover reagents, media, animal waste; cleanup of equipment, glassware, benches; proper disposal of hazardous wastes according to University Waste Program guidelines; and general oversight of anyone assisting in cleanup.
• Supervise and instruct student workers as to the proper procedures to maintain safety and compliance.
• Maintenance and manage specialized equipment to include testing of the equipment such as image acquisition equipment (cameras, computers), microscopes, specialized biomedical equipment, Vernier equipment and attachments, instructing others in their use researching and recommending the purchase of new equipment to keep the instructional labs current.

30% Technical Preparation, Procurement & Resource Management

• Order and prepare media, reagents, both living and prepared specimens, and other materials for classes. This includes determining which media, reagents, specimens, and other materials are needed for each lab period through reading of the laboratory manual and consultation with faculty/instructor and teaching assistants in the course; placing orders to the preparation area and vendors in a timely fashion; maintaining cultures of microbes, plants, and animals, preparing these cultures so they are at the proper stage of growth/life cycle for the class, performing 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.
• Work with vendors to control costs and stay within budget.
• Prepare detailed instructions for preparation and use of appropriate chemicals, reagents, and media by the employee, other staff, or student employees troubleshoot problems with equipment, procedures, and experimental designs ensuring proper use of safety precautions and hazardous waste procedures keep an accurate and complete record keeping of orders for each course.
• Plan and schedule lab preparation in advance.

10% Pre-Running of Experiments & Protocol Development

• Pre-run experiments to include: Researching and reading relevant documents in order to design and perform the experiment. Perform the experiment, analyze data, and keep notes for changes and improvements. Write up changes or improvements following the pre run as appropriate.

5% General Operations & Departmental Support

• Other duties as assigned to allow efficient functioning of the instructional labs.
• The employer reserves the right to change or assign duties to this position*

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in the field of biology and at least two years of related experience, or a combination of education and related work experience to equal at least six years.
• Demonstrated organizational and communication skills.
• Experience with record keeping and proven ability to maintain strong and accurate records.
• Able to work with a wide variety of people.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Must be able to meet unmovable deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate and work with a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Four years of related, laboratory experience.
• Work experience in a physiology lab.
• Experience working with students in a lab setting and in instructional laboratories.
• Comfortable handling invertebrates and preserved specimens.

About the Department

The College of Biological Sciences instructional laboratory staff provide preparative support for instructional laboratories in the Departments of Biology Teaching and Learning; Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics; Genetics, Cell Biology and Development; Cellular and Organismal Physiology; Ecology, Evolution and Behavior; Plant and Microbial Biology; and Neuroscience.

About the College of Biological Sciences

The mission of the College of Biological Sciences is to deliver cutting-edge, internationally recognized research and teaching at all levels of biological organization from molecules to ecosystems. While preparing today's students to create the biology of tomorrow, CBS promotes collaborative research within and beyond the University to advance knowledge and find solutions that improve human health and the environment locally, nationally, and globally.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $27.62 - $31.40/hour depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100%, 10-month 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

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.

How To Apply

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. Application materials need to be submitted online in PDF format with the applicant's last name in the PDF title; applications cannot be considered until all the following materials have been uploaded:

• Resume/CV
• Cover letter describing the applicant's approach to lab set up design and highlighting qualifications relevant to job requirements, including an explanation of how the applicant meets the required (and desirable, if appropriate) qualifications of the position

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.

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 University of Minnesota

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 nations 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.