ARDL Temporary Laboratory Assistant

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota’s Advanced Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ARDL) is hiring a part-time, temporary laboratory assistant. You will assist with sample processing, kit building, and inventory, operating freezers, centrifuges, and StarLIMS systems in a high-throughput setting.

Required are a high school diploma and strong attention to detail, plus excellent verbal and written communication. This role supports critical lab operations within the Civil Service context of ARDL.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required and attention to detail essential.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills mandatory.
• Ability to learn quickly and stay organized under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Perform sample processing and kit building per SOPs in a fast-paced lab.
• Operate and maintain lab equipment such as freezers and centrifuges.
• Receive and accession samples using StarLIMS; sort and inventory.
• Label vials, aliquot specimens, and monitor supplies; keep accurate records.
• Other duties as assigned in a high-throughput environment.

Skills

Excellent attention to detail

Excellent verbal and written comms

Ability to learn quickly

Organize and prioritize work

Dependable

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Job Details

Job ID: 375612

Location: Twin Cities

Job Family: Supplemental Employee

Part-Time

Temporary

Job Code: 0006

Employee Class: Civil Service

About the Job

1. The Advanced Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (ARDL) is part of the University of Minnesota Laboratory Medicine and Pathology Department under the Medical School. ARDL is a fully accredited high-complexity clinical laboratory that serves primarily as a central laboratory for numerous research clinical trials and studies. Laboratory services include both general and specialized analytical testing, DNA and RNA isolation, specimen processing, sample repository, collection kit production, method validation and correlation services and cell cryopreservation and transformation.

2. The laboratory assistant will perform a variety of support duties related to sample processing and kit building. Specimens and kits will be made/processed using standard operating procedures. This position includes operating and maintaining laboratory equipment such as controlled rate freezers, liquid nitrogen freezers, centrifuges as well as maintaining supplies for specimen processing and kit building.

• 10% - The laboratory assistant responsibilities are varied and include use of different computer systems and specialized laboratory equipment in a fast paced, high throughput laboratory.


• 60% - Receiving samples in the FedEx Ship Manager, sorting and opening specimen packages and accessioning samples in the Abbott StarLIMS laboratory information system.


• 20% - Other responsibilities include sorting and storing inventory, specimen aliquoting, labeling vials.


• 1% - Operating and maintaining centrifuges, liquid nitrogen freezers and controlled rate freezers.


• 5% - Maintaining an accurate and detailed specimen inventory in the Abbott StarLIMS laboratory information system.


• 4% - Monitoring and ordering of supplies.


• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma


• Excellent attention to detail


• Excellent verbal and written communication


• Ability to learn quickly


• Ability to organize and prioritize work and follow through on assignments


• Dependable

Preferred Qualifications:

• Laboratory experience working with biological specimens


• Manufacturing experience building kits


• Shipping and Receiving experience


• Experience with ordering tests and inventory management in a laboratory information system

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $20-$22/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience.

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

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 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 Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.