Temp/Casual Research Technician

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement plans

Job summary

The University of Minnesota invites applications for a Temp/Casual Research Technician to assist the PI Solomon R. David and graduate students with field and lab research in Minnesota.

The position entails 40 hours per week during the academic year. During the academic year, fieldwork (40%) includes boat electrofishing and net sampling within 1–2 hours of the Twin Cities, while lab work (60%) covers isotope analysis, dissections, and sample prep.

Qualifications

• Experience with field data collection and basic lab techniques is required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced lab and field environment.
• Willingness to follow safety guidelines and conduct protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist with field sampling and lab analyses as part of the research team.
• Support graduate students with data entry, specimen handling, and lab maintenance.
• Participate in outreach and project-related tasks as assigned.

Skills

Fieldwork experience

Lab work

Team collaboration

Safety compliance

Data entry

Education

High school diploma

Job description

About the Job

Job Overview
The primary purpose of the Temp/Casual Research Technician Position is to assist the Principal Investigator Solomon R. David and graduate students with research activities in the lab (during the academic year) and both field & lab (during summer months). This position will be 40 hours per week during the academic year.

Responsibilities and Percent Effort

During Academic Year:
Fieldwork (40%):

• Boat electrofishing, trap/fyke net sampling, seining/dip-netting of lake and river field sites throughout Minnesota (typically within 1-2 hours of the Twin Cities; 30%).
• Associated vehicle and equipment clean-up and maintenance (10%).

Lab Work (60%):

• Stable isotope analysis and otolith extraction via dissections (30%). Prepping fin tissue samples for the drying oven, grinding said samples, and organizing them in Eppendorf boxes with proper labels. Otoliths (ear stones) and other structures extracted via fish dissections.
• Fish care (15%). Maintain water quality and proper housing for live fishes, feedings, and data collection (measurements, tissue samples, and proper disposal of deceased or euthanized fishes).
• Lab social media and outreach (5%). Regularly participate in posting on ALL GarLab social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, and X).
• Assist graduate students with additional tasks and lab maintenance (10%). This may include data entry and other projects related to graduate students' theses.

Start/End Dates of Appointment:
START: September 6, 2026
END: January 13, 2027

Qualifications

Qualified individuals will have prior work or leadership experience, and be motivated to work in a fast-paced environment dedicated to the conservation of gars, bowfin, and other Minnesota non-game native fishes. The research technician will be expected to work together as a team with other lab members, maintain open lines of communication with PI David (and other senior lab members), and adhere to the University of Minnesota codes of conduct and all safety regulations. A high school diploma is required.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Range: $25.00 a 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

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.