eDNA Lab Technician

eDNA Lab Technician

Location: University of Minnesota, St. Paul
Reports To: Sarah Unruh, Lab to Lakes Project Manager

Position Overview
The eDNA Lab Technician reports to the Lab to Lakes Project Manager and will require a high degree of independent work. The ideal candidate is someone who can maintain careful records, work independently, and clearly communicate complex scientific information.

Key Areas of Responsibility
Lab Management - 40%

• Prepare and ship eDNA sample kits to community partners
• Receive samples and clean sampling equipment for re-use
• Maintain detailed lab records for the purpose of careful reporting and to help troubleshoot problems such as contamination
• Maintain lab cleanliness, safety, and efficiency, such as by purchasing and tracking inventory, following and updating standard operating procedures, and maintaining an organized work area

Sample processing and analysis - 40%

• Complete eDNA extraction and use qPCR and other molecular biology techniques for eDNA detection and quantification
• Data entry and result interpretation
• Enter and manage metadata and carefully track samples from receipt to result

Communication - 15%

• Communicate effectively with L2L project manager via email and in regular meetings
• Work with L2L project manager to coordinate with project partners regarding shipment of sampling kits, assisting with technical aspects of sample collection, sample shipping and receipt
• Share testing results via informal and formal methods, such as written reports, and in-person or virtual presentations.

Administration - 5%

• Contribute to overall MAISRC activities such as strategic planning, reporting, and budgeting.
• Assist with other duties as needed.

Salary/Appointment
This is a full time (1.0 FTE), non-exempt, Civil Service appointment. Salary will be commensurate with experience. The salary range is $55,120 - $59,488 per year. Appointment includes all University of Minnesota benefits for Civil Service employees. This position is funded through December 31, 2027, with the opportunity to extend, pending additional funding.

In-state travel will occasionally be necessary to perform the responsibilities of this position. When travel is necessary, mileage and per diem will be provided according to university policies.

MAISRC supports the University of Minnesota's Work. With Flexibility approach. The work location for this position will primarily be in the lab/office, however occasional remote work may be possible.

Required Qualifications

• BA/BS degree plus at least two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and relevant work experience to equal at least six years
• Experience with molecular biology and sterile laboratory techniques, such as PCR, qPCR, DNA extraction, and next-generation DNA sequencing
• Experience performing quality control on techniques and verifying sample integrity

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of issues related to aquatic invasive species
• Strong interpersonal and internal communication skills
• Experience with eDNA or working with very low concentrations of genetic material
• Experience with data management
• Experience with science communication
• Dependability, accuracy, and attention to detail in all aspects of work
• Excellent time management skills and ability to adapt in a quickly-changing environment
• Ability to work independently with little supervision, seek solutions to complex problems, and perform as part of a team

Additional Qualifications

• Cell phone that can be used, as needed, for work purposes - reimbursement is not provided.
• Ability to accommodate a work schedule that includes some evenings and weekends. Evening and weekend hours may vary seasonally.

MAISRC works to develop science-based solutions to address the AIS issues facing Minnesota's lakes, rivers, and wetlands and to inspire action by others. Our research is focused on developing tools and methods for taking action on AIS by preventing spread, controlling populations, supporting AIS management, and advancing AIS knowledge among natural resource managers and the public. The eDNA Lab Technician supports this mission by performing eDNA testing to monitor Minnesota's lakes for AIS, as a part of MAISRC's Lab to Lakes initiative.

The goal of the Lab to Lakes program is to support the ambitious implementation of science-based management tools and recommendations, based on MAISRC research. Early detection of AIS can greatly benefit AIS management and MAISRC research has developed the knowledge necessary to establish a statewide early detection and surveillance program for aquatic invasive species. The eDNA Lab Technician will make this possible by processing environmental (eDNA) samples collected from partners statewide, managing all associated metadata, and sharing testing results with academic audiences (internal) and with the general public.

Pay Range: $26.50 - $28.60 per hour, ($55,120 - $59,488 annually) 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:

• 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

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

To apply, please visit https://z.umn.edu/MAISRCHiring (Job ID# 372541). To be considered, all applications must be submitted online and include the following:

• Cover letter detailing interest and fit for the position
• Resume including relevant experience
• Three recent, professional references

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of applications will be ongoing and will begin in March 2026.

For questions about the position or application requirements, please contact Lab to Lakes Project Manager, Sarah Unruh at unruh053@umn.edu.

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.

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).