Research Professional 2

About the Job

Title: Research Professional 1

Working Title: Laboratory Service Coordinator

Job code: 8352P1

Classification: Civil Service

Appointment: 100% - 12 months

Office Location: St. Paul Campus

Start Date: 8-2024

Program/Unit Description

With 20 faculty members, around 25 staff positions, over 300 undergraduate and around 100 graduate students, the Department of Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Minnesota is commonly ranked amongst the premier departments in the US for teaching, research and extension in food science and technology, nutrition and dietetics. It offers an IFT-approved undergraduate program in Food Science and an ACEND-accredited Didactic Program in Dietetics, as well as graduate programs (MS and PhD) in Food Science and in Nutrition. The Department furthermore hosts a Dietetic Internship, the Plant Protein Innovation Center and the Sensory Center.

Responsibilities

Laboratory Coordination

• 40%

Coordinate and manage services and facilities in the FScN teaching labs, including maintaining a lab calendar scheduling utility

Work closely with faculty and instructors to support coordination of teaching assistants in the labs to assure safe and responsible use of facilities, equipment, and ingredients, and to assure proper preparation of and clean-up after each class

Manage supplies, including ordering, invoicing, record keeping of all orders for the various laboratory classes

Keep inventories of equipment and supplies to assure uninterrupted availability of general class materials

Maintain records of all expenditures for each laboratory class, including supplies, student support, and equipment maintenance and repair

Coordinate with accounting team for payments, billing and financial reporting

Train and supervise student staff that assist in lab coordination

Laboratory Support

• 30%

Give pre-laboratory orientation to students and/or work with teaching assistants to give the orientation

Coordinate with instructors for proper teaching lab set-up before each lab section including preparation of laboratory materials used in the class

Evaluate equipment use, procedures, and supplies for improvement and efficiency of labs, suggest alternative teaching methods and materials in consultation with instructors

Implement and coordinate projects to improve the learning experience of lab-based courses

Keep lab/class manuals and lab setup instructions up-to-date and available in close collaboration with instructors

Safety Coordination

• 20%

Participate in meetings and initiatives of the FScN Safety Committee

Act as Safety Coordinator for the teaching labs, keep current on legal requirement and implement safety procedures and train students on lab use and equipment, and general safety and lab procedures

Record any lab incidents, including injuries, and analyze issues to prevent future incidents

Coordinate proper disposal of various kinds of waste, including food, chemical, glass, and biohazardous waste

Manage Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for use of all chemicals in FScN

Ensure clean, sanitary and safe facilities of labs and other support areas related to research and teaching activities

Maintain equipment in working order and in sanitary and safe condition in compliance with the MN Dept. of Health and OSHA, including general maintenance such as calibrating ovens and instruments

Identify opportunities for the continuous improvement of laboratory and general safety in the FScN Department

Facilities management

• 10%

Identify and respond to technical and facility issues in the departmental labs

Organize equipment repair and maintenance, working with Facilities Management and other vendors for service, prepare work orders, billing/payment, record keeping

Assist FScN administration with other tasks pertaining to the management of departmental facilities

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in food science, nutrition or closely related discipline such as chemistry or biology

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in laboratory work in an academic setting or, a combination of relevant education and work experience to equal 6 years

• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office

• Must be able to work independently, managing priorities and urgency, with emphasis on precision and timeliness

• Demonstrated interpersonal skills, including the demonstrated ability to work in a team setting

• Demonstrated organizational and oral/written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in food chemistry, analytical chemistry, nutrition, biochemistry, and/or microbiology

• Experience in laboratory safety management

• Experience in handling hazardous waste

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills

• Experience with budgets and record keeping

• Experience working with students in a laboratory setting

About the Department

https://fscn.cfans.umn.edu/

Benefits

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also 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

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

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 be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents should be attached, cover letter, resume, list of three references, 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 employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

For any questions or inquiries contact Dorit Hafner, FScN Administrative Director, University of Minnesota, Department of Food Science and Nutrition, 1334 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, email: hafne005@umn.edu, phone: (612) 624-4789.

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).