Lab Assistant

University of Minnesota; Austin (MN); Hybrid; USD 18,184 - 25,898; Full time

Job summary

The Aslanidi Lab at the University of Minnesota is seeking a Laboratory Technician to support maintenance, materials preparation, inventory management, and safety compliance at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota.

You will assist with cleaning, equipment upkeep, preparing buffers and media, managing plasmid DNA inventories, and contributing to safety trainings to enable ongoing gene therapy research.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent with some science coursework and laboratory experience.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions in English.
• Preferred: prior laboratory experience.
• Preferred: experience with Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Maintenance & Equipment Support: clean, sanitize, and maintain space and equipment; manage biohazard waste; replace CO tanks; ensure safety and compliance.
• Preparation of Materials & Solutions: prepare buffers, media, and standard solutions; assist with agar plates and media.
• Inventory & Supply Management: monitor inventory; place and track orders; verify receipt and storage of materials; maintain plasmid DNA and viral stocks.
• Safety & Compliance Support: follow safety procedures; support compliance efforts; participate in trainings.

Skills

Attention to detail

English comprehension

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with science/lab coursework

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

About the Job

The Aslanidi Lab research is focused on bioengineering and the application of Adeno-Associated virus (AAV) vectors for the purpose of gene therapy and vaccine development. The research addresses several important drawbacks in AAV-based gene therapy such as vector efficiency, pre-existing and therapy-activated immunogenicity, scaled-up vector production, and assessment of efficacy in large pre-clinical animal models. The goal of our research is to ensure advancement of gene therapy treatment for patients with genetic diseases and cancers. This position will provide laboratory technical research and support laboratory operations. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position as needed.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Maintenance & Equipment Support - 50%

• Clean, sanitize, and maintain laboratory bench space and equipment including glassware, aspiration bottles, water baths, and CO incubators.
• Manage biohazard waste through proper autoclaving procedures.
• Maintain and replace CO tanks and ensure equipment is functioning properly.
• Maintain and refill 70% ethanol spray battlers, ethanol burners.
• Ensure laboratory spaces remain organized and compliant with safety and operational standards.

Preparation of Materials & Solutions - 20%

• Prepare buffers, media, and standard laboratory solutions following established protocols.
• Assist with preparation of bacterial agar plates, bacterial grow medium and other routine materials needed for experiments.
• Maintain consistency and accuracy in preparation processes.

Inventory & Supply Management - 20%

• Monitor inventory levels of lab supplies and materials.
• Place and track supply orders, ensuring timely replenishment.
• Verify receipt and organize storage of incoming materials.
• Maintain inventory of plasmid DNA and viral stocks.

Safety & Compliance Support - 10%

• Follow all applicable laboratory safety procedures and guidelines.
• Support compliance efforts by maintaining clean and properly functioning workspaces.
• Participate in required safety trainings and adhere to institutional protocols.

Flexible Work Profile

The Research and Innovation Office (RIO) and The Hormel Institute endorse a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land‑grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to - in most cases - expect employees to live in Minnesota. This position has been designated as eligible for Flexible Work Profile One. Flexible Work Profile One, Office/Lab-Based – is expected to work primarily on‑site in the office/lab. Occasional remote work may be allowed. The office will be located at The Hormel Institute in Austin, Minnesota. The Hormel Institute management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• High school graduation or the equivalent of some science courses and laboratory experience should provide the necessary background for work of this class.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior laboratory experience.
• Experience with Excel, Word Doc, etc.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift/push and pull up to 50 pounds with or without accommodation.
• Ability to climb step ladder without accommodation.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $16.00/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.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [e-mail] or call [phone].

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.