Short-Term Lab Assistant

MedStar Health; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A well-known institution is seeking a temporary part-time role supporting research staff in the Twin Cities. This position involves various tasks including maintenance of facilities and assisting with data collection, offering valuable experience in a dynamic research environment. Candidates should be adaptable and skilled in using hand tools, as well as be capable of working outdoors under different weather conditions.

Qualifications

• Experience with basic hand and power tools.
• Valid driver's license with a good driving record.
• Capable of lifting and carrying 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Support professional research staff and graduate students.
• Maintain laboratory workshop and experimental facilities.
• Assist with data collection on research projects.

Skills

Problem solving

Mechanical aptitude

Ability to work outdoors

Education

High school shop class or employer-based training

Tools

Hand tools

Power tools

Forklift

Bobcat

Job description

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Job ID

368902

Location

Twin Cities

Job Family

Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time

Part-Time

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Code

0001

Employee Class

Civil Service

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About the Job

This position runs from 7/14/2025-8/24/2025.

The primary function of this position is to support professional research staff and graduate student researchers. Daily tasks involve maintenance and upkeep of laboratory workshop and experimental facilities, participate in construction, setup, and demolition of experimental facilities. This job commonly requires picking up materials from vendors throughout the metro area. The job could also entail assisting graduate students and scientists with data collection or collecting data on research projects independently. Some projects require working off campus. Other projects are primarily conducted outdoors in varying types of weather conditions. The variety of tasks encourages adaptation and requires motivated problem solving, which develops a wide range of skills while exposing students to the many aspects of research.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:
Ability to work 30-40 hours weekly over summer and 2-3 shifts weekly of 3 hours or more during the academic year.
Experience with basic hand and power tools.
Willingness to work outdoors
Capable of lifting and carrying 50 lbs.
Have valid driver's licenses with a good driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:
Formal training with hand tools and power tools. For example, a high school shop class or employer based training. Will train as needed.
Experience operating forklift, bobcat, or other similar equipment. Will train as needed.
Previous chemistry or lab experience. Will train as needed
Experience with construction, fabrication, or related work.
Mechanical aptitude and problem solving skills a plus.

About the Department

The Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory is a globally recognized hub for pioneering research in experimental and computational fluid mechanics, hydrology, and earth-surface dynamics. For over 80 years, our innovative and adaptable facilities have attracted trailblazers, problem solvers, and visionary thinkers. SAFL transcends traditional academic boundaries, embracing a spirit of curiosity and unorthodox collaboration. By fostering a culture of innovation, our diverse network of scholars and skilled engineers delivers groundbreaking solutions to the most pressing environmental science and engineering challenges, deepening our understanding of Earth's dynamic systems.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: 15.00-15.50/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.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

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

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 the U of M

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 the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).