Laboratory Attendant

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a Laboratory Attendant in the Research Animal Resources unit. This 100% onsite role on the Twin Cities campus involves maintaining animal housing, sanitizing cages, operating washers and autoclaves, and assisting with daily facility operations under safe, regulated protocols.

The position is regular full-time, 6:00 AM–2:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend/holiday work and overtime.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to read and write in English.
• 100% onsite work required.
• Valid DMV screen if driving duties assigned.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain animal housing equipment washers and autoclaves.
• Clean and sanitize lab animal housing caging per procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and logs for inspections.

Skills

Strong attendance

Onsite work ability

English literacy

Punctual and reliable

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

About the Job

Laboratory Attendant Position Description
Title: Laboratory Attendant
Job code: 6060
Employee Group: Union Represented - Teamsters Local 320
Full/Part Time (FTE): Full-time, 100% FTE
Regular/Temporary: Regular

About the Job:
Position Overview
Research Animal Resources (RAR) supports critical breakthroughs in immunology, vaccine efficacy, brain science, and aging research. We are seeking a dependable team member to join our staff as a Laboratory Attendant (LA). In this role, you will clean, sterilize, assemble, and maintain animal caging, equipment, and facilities in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

LA staff are represented by the Teamsters union, local 320. External candidates must supply a resume for priority consideration.

As part of the University of Minnesota - recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer in Minnesota - you'll receive a robust compensation and benefits package designed to support your career and well-being.

Ready to support meaningful research every day? Apply today to join the University of Minnesota team!

Teamster priority consideration begins 10/16/26 and ends 10/23/2026

This position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

Essential Employee Designation

This position is defined as an essential role under the University's State of Emergency policy, and plays a key role in ensuring the health and welfare of RAR's research animals. During emergencies or other situations that impact normal operations, this position may be required to perform additional duties as assigned to support the team and ensure animal care is not compromised. These duties may include, but are not limited to, animal husbandry, sanitation, feeding, health monitoring, and will be determined at the discretion of the direct supervisor and/or RAR senior leadership based on operational needs. Training will be provided as needed. Unscheduled, mandatory overtime may be assigned by the direct supervisor/leadership as needed to ensure animal health and welfare.

Location and Work Schedule

This position works 100% time in-person on the Twin Cities campus, and is scheduled to work Monday-Friday, 6:00AM-2:30PM. Weekend work and work on holidays will be required when scheduled, and is eligible for overtime and holiday pay.

Primary Responsibilities

• Operate, monitor, and maintain animal housing equipment washers, autoclaves, and bedding dispensing/disposal machinery.
• Disassemble dirty caging, scrape debris, dump soiled bedding, and scoop fresh bedding; fill and empty water bottles.
• Clean, sanitize, assemble, and/or sterilize lab animal housing equipment and caging according to established sanitation procedures.
• Maneuver compressed gas cylinders and chemical drums (up to 55 gallons) using mechanical lifts or dollies.
• Inspect supplies and equipment to identify, isolate, and remove broken or improperly sanitized items.
• Perform basic routine maintenance and initial safety, temperature, and steam checks on machines to ensure optimal equipment function.
• Promptly report mechanical failures, necessary repairs, or safety hazards to supervisors or appropriate maintenance staff.
• Clean and sanitize housing rooms, facilities, and assigned work areas.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation in accordance with departmental standards.
• Ensure continuous audit-readiness for AAALAC and IACUC inspections by verifying label accuracy, monitoring expiration dates, and completing required logs.
• Adhere to all safety protocols, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) and following guidelines for handling equipment and biohazardous materials in cage wash areas.
• Complete all assigned safety training courses by required due dates.
• Order, receive, and store animal feed, bedding, and operational supplies.
• Lift and maneuver heavy equipment and materials safely.
• Any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Health, Safety, & Compliance

Offers of employment are contingent upon medical clearance through the Research Occupational Health Program (ROHP). The University provides all required protective gear, testing, and medical evaluations, which include:

• Pre-employment medical questionnaire and fitness-for-duty examination.
• Current Tetanus immunization.
• Annual hearing tests (if assigned to noise conservation areas).
• Annual Tuberculosis (TB) testing and annual Influenza vaccination (species-dependent).
• Rabies vaccination/titer (or signed declination form) and Measles titer, as applicable.
• Protective equipment fit testing

Some work assignments will involve exposure to animal allergens, high levels of noise, and/or disinfectants and sanitizing agents. The employee may work in wet rooms or around large industrial cage washers. The employee may work in an outside environment in any weather conditions.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate or equivalent, or some experience with laboratory equipment.
• If assigned to be a driver, must pass a department of motor vehicle record screening.
• High degree of personal reliability, consistent punctuality, and a strong attendance record.
• Ability to work 100% onsite to support daily hands-on facility operations
• Must be able to read and write in English, with the ability to communicate electronically via email and follow oral instructions

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience related to customer service, hands-on work, or production lines.
• Comfortable operating iPads and computers
• Basic skills in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Gmail, Calendar, Chat) or Microsoft Office (Word, Excel)

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 lbs
• Ability to stand while working for extended periods of time
• Ability to walk for extended periods of time
• Ability to work in odorous, warm, humid, noisy conditions while wearing PPE (personal protective equipment) including a PAPR (powered air-purifying respirator) and lab coat.
• Ability to push/pull heavy objects using dollies, carts, pallet jacks, flatbeds, racks, etc. up and down inclined surfaces.
• Ability to bend below the waist

About the Department

Research Animal Resources (RAR) provides the University of Minnesota research community with animal care, procurement services, veterinary knowledge, and maintenance of housing facilities for animal-related research activities. The position of Laboratory Attendant is union represented, and is part of a staff of over 150 employees including Professional and Administrative staff, Civil Service staff, and Union Represented members. RAR has a daily census of 24,000 rodent cages in 20 buildings split into 7 geographic teams around the Twin Cities Campus.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: Starting rate is $23.17/hr unless otherwise specified per the Teamsters contract

Time Appointment: 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:

• 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.

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.