Student Laboratory Technician

About the Job

General: The PCRC is a preclinical research lab that performs non-clinical scientific research aimed at the development of novel medical interventions and advancement of therapies with potential to improve animal and human health.


Duties and Responsibilities:
This position works in a lab engaged in preclinical translation research diseases with major public health impact.  Responsibilities include but are not limited to performing and assisting in lab maintenance duties, cleaning and stocking lab equipment/facilities, and assisting with monitoring of research animals and animal husbandry.

 Primarily cleans and sanitizes large and small animal enclosures.
 Cleans lab, offices, corridors, and operating rooms. Sweeps and scrubs floors.
 Cleans surgical suite and ancillary room surfaces, walls, windows, and fixtures.
 Collects waste. Replenishes supplies.
 Observes deficiencies in animal enclosures affecting safety or wellbeing, for immediate reporting/correction.
 Sets up equipment required for lab functions (patient monitoring, diet/nutrition, play/enrichment materials for animal subjects that include heavy climbing structures and swimming pools).
 Loads and unloads groceries and rotates stock.
 Dismantles surgical packs, cleans instruments, sterilizes, and reassembles supplies and other materials.
 Moves heavy animals and equipment.
 Assists with record keeping (recording) during daily care and treatment of animals
 Weighing animals
 Daily observations of animals
 Any other miscellaneous duties related to the well-being of animal subjects
 Reviewing standard operating procedures
 Works on special projects as assigned

Experience in this position will translate well to skills required for Veterinary Medicine,  Biotech Industry, Clinical Medicine, and postgraduate studies.

This position requires current training in Good Laboratory Practices (provided by PCRC) and requires current training of PCRC SOPs

Selected candidate will be expected to start as soon as possible or what is determined by the PCRC management.  Hours during the school year can be arranged based on class schedule time block (prefer 7:00am-11:00am or 11:30pm-3:30pm) including rotating weekends.  Summer hours can be full-time, with five 7:00am-3:30pm shifts between Monday-Friday and weekend shifts (7:00am-11:00am).

Supervision Received: This position reports to the Scientific Program Directors.

Supervision Exercised: This position works cooperatively with PCRC Staff


Physical Demands:
 Standing and sitting for long periods of time is required for this position.
 Must be able to lift 50lbs by ones’ self. 
 Must rotate on an on call schedule of evenings, weekends, overnights, and holidays. 
 Must work flexible days Monday through Sunday (including holidays rotating), with core lab hours of 7:00am – 3:30pm.

Non-Physical Demands: 
 Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Qualifications:

• Must be willing to work with research animals.
• Selected student must have good verbal communication skills, organization, strong attention to detail, motivation, ability to follow protocols, ability to work independently, and ability to multi task. 
• Must prove to be punctual, reliable and have a positive attitude.
   

Committed to innovation and diversity, the Medical School educates physicians, scientists, and health professionals; generates knowledge and treatments; and cares for patients and communities with compassion and respect. We value excellence, inclusiveness, collaboration, and discovery. 

To learn more about the Department of Surgery, please visit https://med.umn.edu/surgery

Pay: $17.00/hour

Please visit the Office of Student Health Benefits website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.
 

Student workers are eligible to participate in the Student Health Benefit Plan, if they maintain 6 or more eligible course credits within a given semester. The same applies for Undergraduate Students, Graduate Assistants, Residents, Fellows and Interns.

Student positions are a form of financial support while pursuing an education at the University of Minnesota.

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 [email protected].

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

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.

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.