Principal Laboratory Technician, Coleraine Labs

NRRI POSITION DESCRIPTION

Operate, adjust and oversee a variety laboratory tests following established specialized procedures and techniques related to operating established, complex laboratory equipment, techniques and procedures. Maintain accurate records of process performance and issue summary reports when requested, including standard operating procedures. Contributes to research planning, execution and close out and ongoing continuous improvement initiatives. Required to attend frequent safety, project related briefings and training, and apply the information and principles to the work performed each day.

Work schedule is 7 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday

Pay Range: $25.56; depending on education/qualifications/experience

***Bargaining unit consideration begins on 12/02/2024 and ends on12/10/24***

Job Duties:

1.(70%time) Be proficient in following established safety and quality procedures while participating in research project planning, execution and close-out by:

• Supervising and carrying out laboratory procedures specified in protocols, schedules, or the oral instructions of a senior research worker. Select and adapt equipment, instruments, and methods to meet requirements of the laboratory program or specified research needs.
• Operates a variety of complex laboratory equipment used in the collection, processing, classification, measurement, or analysis of specimens or data.
• Accurately documents all test results, including measurements, observations, and anomalies. Test results are summarized and reviewed with researchers and PIs.
• Always practicing excellent housekeeping to maintain clean and safe work areas.
• Collecting, preparing and/or delivering client research material samples.
• Operating complex research equipment and processes involving multiple steps and controls.
• Performing research analytical testing and documentation of results.
• Operating mobile equipment required to support the research test or processing.
• Locates, transport and ensure proper material utilization.
• Performing data entry via written logs and/or computers and providing summary reports when requested.
• Reporting data using computers.
• Confers with scientists, engineers and supervision to interpret results and identify alternate approaches or ways to improve process outcomes or safety.

2.(20%time) Perform light maintenance (adjusting belts, replacing wear items, cleaning, painting, etc.) on facilities and/or lab equipment.

3.(10%time) Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum qualifications include high school graduate or the equivalent with some science courses AND four years of relevant academic or work experience.
• Applied knowledge of general manufacturing processes, analytical methods, operation, maintenance and repair of complex laboratory to pilot-scale equipment
• Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in diverse research settings and team-oriented work environment
• Demonstrated ability to simultaneously work on multiple projects and duties with minimal supervision or assistance
• Excellent interpersonal skills; detail-oriented, strategic thinker, self-motivated and strong organizational skills
• Computer skills with working knowledge of MS Office including Word and Excel

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two-year college degree in the sciences and two years of work experience in University, Federal, State or Corporate Research Laboratory in the taconite or wood products industries.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• NRRI Coleraine's research labs have several environmental conditions to be aware of including high temperatures, noise, dust, moving equipment, etc. Technicians are required to use various types of personal protective equipment when performing certain tasks including hard hats, safety glasses, safety toed shoes, high visibility vests, dust masks. Technicians must be able to stand/walk during the entire work shift and lift up to 75 lbs.

Pay Range: $25.56; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 75%-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:

• 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

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.

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for the position.

About NRRI Coleraine Labs

Situated near Minnesota's minerals and forestry resource-based industries, NRRI's Coleraine Lab is a world-renowned center for minerals and biomass conversion and their connections to land, forest, and water resources. NRRI Coleraine possesses the facilities, equipment, and highly qualified staff to conduct applied research for private and public sector clients in Minnesota, North America and around the world. The lab has a wide range of equipment for conducting studies at both laboratory (grams/pounds) and pilot scales (tons). Laboratory and pilot scale capabilities include mineral characterization, mineral processing, metallurgy, and biomass conversion to energy and agronomic products.

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).