Environmental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Technician

Bargaining unit consideration begins on 2/6/2026 and ends on 1/13/2026.

This is a labor-represented, full-time Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm, entry-level position with benefits and a set starting rate of $23.30/hr ($48,464/yr). There is no requirement for weekends or overtime, but if there is a business need we can approve overtime.

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking a Senior Laboratory Technician to join our team and support applied research to address growing concern around emerging contaminants. We are an interdisciplinary group of research staff, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students with backgrounds in chemistry and engineering and a shared passion for the environment. Topics of ongoing research within the laboratory include bench-scale evaluation of adsorption-based technologies for removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from stormwater and groundwater, field evaluation of biochar-amended filtration systems for removal of pesticides from stormwater, and assessment of legacy and emerging contaminants in sediments of the Great Lakes. The Laboratory Technician will work closely with research staff, students, and postdoctoral researchers to support analytical workflow and laboratory management activities.

Job Duties:
1. Analytical chemistry laboratory support (60%): Perform routine sample preparation procedures for environmental and laboratory-generated samples according to Standard Operating Procedures. Operate routine laboratory equipment including automated extractors, balances, pH meters, and centrifuges. Maintain detailed records of laboratory activities and prepare summary data reports.

2.Laboratory management support (40%): Supports analytical laboratory upkeep, including cleaning glassware and laboratory spaces, managing laboratory and chemical waste, monitoring chemical storage area to ensure compliance with existing protocols, and general laboratory organization to provide a safe workspace. Provides laboratory management assistance, including purchasing, maintaining chemical and laboratory supply inventories, and general administrative assistance.

Required Qualifications:

• High school degree or equivalent plus two years of education or experience related to chemistry.
• Satisfactory completion of post-secondary coursework in General Chemistry (including General Chemistry Laboratory I and II) and Quantitative Chemical Analysis.
• Effective oral and written communication in English.
• Valid U.S. driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Postsecondary degree with a specialization in Chemistry, Environmental Science or related field, with a strong focus in chemistry.
• Satisfactory completion of a Quantitative Analytical Chemistry Laboratory course.
• Work experience working in a laboratory setting, including internships, summer research experiences, or hourly laboratory work.
• Experience with basic quantitative analytical chemistry techniques (e.g., calibration procedures, chromatography, spectroscopy, etc.) and/or basic water quality techniques (e.g., nutrients, total organic carbon, turbidity, etc.).
• Experience with laboratory techniques for analysis of trace organic contaminants in environmental samples, including sample preparation methods (e.g., extraction procedures for water, sediment, or tissue samples) and instrumental analysis (e.g., liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc.).
• Basic administrative skills, including data entry and data management, report preparation, ordering supplies, maintaining records, etc.
• Basic computing skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic R programming skills.

Physical/Environmental Demands:

• Specific physical requirements or environmental exposures: Requires working with hazardous chemicals according to institutional guidelines.

About NRRI:
The Natural Resources Research Institute was established by the Minnesota legislature in 1983 as an applied science and engineering research organization to inform state citizens and decision-makers while leveraging the power of the University of Minnesota. NRRI is guided by the forward-looking charter provided by the Legislature to foster the economic development of Minnesota's natural resources in an environmentally sound manner to promote private sector employment.

NRRI's mission is to deliver integrated research solutions that value our resources, environment and economy for a sustainable and resilient future. We are a mission-driven, project-focused team working to create opportunities for natural resource stewardship.

With industrial-scale facilities in Duluth and Coleraine, MN, NRRI works across five strategic research platforms. These platforms address Minnesota's soil, forest, water and mineral resources:

• Applied Ecology and Resource Management
• Minerals and Metallurgy
• Materials and Bioeconomy
• Data Collection and Delivery
• Commercialization Services

Pay Range: $23.30/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:

• 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

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.

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. Please provide a cover letter with the application that describes your interest in the position and explicitly addresses how your qualifications meet the required qualifications for the position.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

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.

Note that NRRI cannot offer visa sponsorship for entry-level positions, and applications that do not indicate existing authorization to work in the United States will not be reviewed.

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges" issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university. A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD's many research institutes and labs.

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).