Environmental Monitor/Lab Assistant/Clerical Support

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota is seeking a part-time Environmental Monitor/Lab Assistant to collect air and surface samples in the Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics Facility on the St. Paul campus. This in-person role requires 10-20 hours per two-week pay period, with some weekend work, and is year-round.

Responsibilities include lab duties, data entry, and general clerical tasks. Preference is given to candidates with some science coursework; high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Qualifications

• High School graduation or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lab Duties (70%): Collection of air and surface samples using various microbiological media; Operation of laboratory equipment for measuring viable and nonviable air and surface microbes and particulates; Reading plates and recording colony counts following plate incubation; Perform all required follow-up testing; Perform monthly sanitization of EM incubator.
• Data Entry (20%): Document out-of-limits results through the facility's deviation system; Entry of collected data into appropriate spreadsheet or database; Reporting all results on a timely basis.
• Other Duties (10%): Filing, scanning & copying of various records.

Education

High School graduation or equivalent

Job description

About the Job

Title: Environmental Monitor/Lab Assistant/ Clerical Support

Job Code & Class: Job Code (2226) Student Tech Support Services

Department: Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics Facility

Budgeted Salary Range: $16.00 - $17.00/hour

Position Overview

This student position is responsible for the collection of air and surface samples to access microbial and particulate levels in our labs and cleanrooms in the UMN's Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics Facility located on the St. Paul Campus. This a part-time position 10-20 hours per two week pay period with some weekend work required. This is a year-round position.

Job Responsibilities

Lab Duties (70%)

• Collection of air and surface samples using various microbiological media.
• Operation of laboratory equipment for measuring viable and nonviable air and surface microbes and particulates.
• Reading plates and recording colony counts following plate incubation.
• Perform all required follow-up testing.
• Perform monthly sanitization of EM incubator.

Data Entry (20%)

• Document out-of-limits results through the facility's deviation system.
• Entry of collected data into appropriate spreadsheet or database.
• Reporting all results on a timely basis.

Other Duties (10%)

• Filing, scanning & copying of various records

This position is in-person.

Qualifications

All required qualifications must be documented on application materials.

Required Qualificatons

• High School graduation or equivalent.

Preferred Qualfications

• Some science courses preferred.

About the Department

Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics (MCT), built in 1992 and renovated in 1998, is a 33,000-square-foot, free-standing biologic and medicinal chemistry manufacturing facility located on the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus. A total of 11,000 square feet of dedicated ISO Class 7 Controlled Environment Areas and ISO Class 5 areas are available for the development and production of advanced cell-, tissue-, and gene-based therapies. There are 19 clean rooms, with the space divided into five production areas, several with negative pressure, Biosafety Level 2 capabilities. The flexible, compliant design of the facility accommodates investigator-specific needs regarding bio-safety levels, bio-containment requirements, and project-specific gowning areas.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $16-$17/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

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

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.