Project Specialist

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Paid holidays

Retirement plans

Employee wellbeing program

Job summary

The University of Minnesota seeks a detail-oriented administrative support professional for the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. This hybrid role includes coordinating software licenses, service contracts, and office supplies while acting as the liaison for graduate and undergraduate appointments.

Responsibilities include access stewardship, communications, and support for department operations. Ability to travel among three campus buildings is required, with standard hours from 8:00 a.m.

Qualifications

• High school graduate and four years of office work experience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, Google WorkSpace, Adobe, Box Storage, etc.
• Ability to travel across three different UMN buildings on Twin Cities East Bank.
• Experience working in a fast paced work environment.
• Experience with accounting and communications.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, customer service and excellent attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Software and Supplies Management: purchase and maintain software licenses, manage service contracts, procure office supplies, and acquire branded items.
• Departmental Student Appointments: support graduate student appointments and coordinate with HR.
• Building Access Steward: grant and revoke card access, manage departmental keys, and audit access across UMN buildings.
• Communications: monitor inquiries, and coordinate communications for events and news.
• Other duties as assigned by department leadership.

Skills

Strong communication

Customer service

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Adobe

Box Storage

Job description

About the Job

This position provides support for low - mid level purchases for the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, including; software licenses, service contracts, general office supplies, and branded merchandise. Serves as the lead for graduate and undergraduate appointments. Serves as the steward of building access for WDH, 717 Delaware & CCRB. Works with the administrative team on departmental communications.

Hybrid position: three days in office. Scheduled days in the office based on conversation with manager.

40 hours/week, Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm.

Bargaining unit consideration begins on September 11, 2026 and ends on September 17, 2026.

Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship. This position does not offer a STEM OPT training program.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Software and Supplies Management (40%)

• Work with Operations Manager in purchasing and maintaining software licenses for Medicinal Chemistry labs.
• Manage service contracts for equipment within the department.
• Purchase common use supplies for offices in departmental buildings.
• Purchase of departmental branded items used for recruitment, graduate student appreciation week, etc.
• Work with department and collegiate members as a TDX Navigator, supporting employees working on large purchases or new employees to the University.

Departmental Student Appointments (30%)

• Work the Administrative Manager in supporting the appointment process of graduate students and student workers in the department.
• Serve as the middle person between departmental faculty / students / staff and College of Pharmacy Human Resources in relation to graduate student appointments.
• Keep up to date on UMN graduate employment policy, including GLU-UE CBA.

Building Access Steward (10%)

• Provide and Revoke Card Access.
• Provide all access to departmental spaces in 717, (Weaver-) Densford Hall and Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building.
• Audit and revoke access for individuals no longer in the department.
• Manage departmental keys for WDH in coordination with the College of Pharmacy Facilities Manager.

Communications (10%)

• Monitor and respond to general inquiries re: the Department of Medicinal Chemistry via the department's general phone line and email address.
• Work with Administrative Manager, Operations Manager, and Event Coordinator on streamlined and uniform communications processes for all departmental events and news.

Other duties as assigned (10%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High school graduate and four years of office work experience.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software, Google WorkSpace, Adobe, Box Storage, etc.
• Ability to travel across three different UMN buildings on Twin Cities East Bank.
• Experience working in a fast paced work environment.
• Experience with accounting and communications.
• Strong communication, interpersonal skills, customer service and excellent attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of higher education work experience.
• Experience working with students.
• Experience with UMN platforms such as PeopleSoft, Emburse, TDX, etc.
• Experience with employee appointment processes.

About the Department

The Medicinal Chemistry department consists of a diverse group of faculty members, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, and research scientists working at the interface of chemistry and biology and is home to the editorial offices of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry and ACS Infectious Diseases. The department is part of the College of Pharmacy and University health sciences, which house nationally and internationally acclaimed programs in the areas of biochemistry, neuroscience, pharmacology, virology, immunology, cancer biology, structural biology, and drug delivery. The department is spread across three buildings on the U of M, Twin Cities campus.

Medicinal Chemistry is a dynamic, multifaceted scientific discipline that is dedicated to the improvement of human health through research that leads to the design and development of safe and effective therapeutic, diagnostic, and environmental agents. The Graduate Program has a long and distinguished history of being among the top medicinal chemistry programs in the country.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $30.09- $36.49/hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

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.