Class C Minnetonka Research Paraprofessional at Minnetonka High School, 8 hours per day, 184 days per year

Assignment:
8 hours per day, 184 days per year
Minimum hourly rate: $21.86 (Based on the 2025-2026 wage schedule.)

Click here to view the Paraprofessional wage schedule. Please scroll down to Appendix A.
Benefit eligible position. Click here to view benefit details.

Job Responsibilities:
1. Train and support high school students in the safe and effective use of laboratory techniques and equipment, including providing continuity for multi-day and extended lab protocols.
2. Maintain science equipment and supplies in the research lab, such as liquid nitrogen storage and CO2 tanks (troubleshoot unexpected issues, calibrate, and coordinate external service vendors).
3. Support students in the use of and operate/troubleshoot biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, RT-qPCR, and other supporting laboratory equipment.
4. Supervise students in the lab during extended lab hours (before school, and after school as needed
5. Work with and support students using hazardous chemicals and biological materials (handling and disposal) using appropriate PPE.
6. Manage laboratory inventory and procurement, including tracking supplies, coordinating orders across multiple vendors, and ensuring proper storage of sensitive materials (e.g., temperature-, light-, and cryo-sensitive items).
7. Ensure student adherence to safety protocols in a research lab.
8. Set up and clean up the science laboratory and materials/equipment.
9. Monitor and maintain student sign-up schedules for lab access.
10. Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and equipment service providers.
11. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Job Qualifications:
1. A college degree in a scientific field OR relevant laboratory, medical, technical or research experience.
2. Evidence of science knowledge and experience.
3. Evidence of a basic understanding of the physical and biological sciences.
4. Evidence of a working knowledge of chemical compatibility, hazards, and waste disposal.
5. Ability to work effectively with high school students.
6. Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of school staff.
7. Works independently and manages multiple protocols routinely.
8. Effectively manages projects and workload as assigned by research instructors
9. A willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, and equipment.
10. Evidence of ability to respect, protect, and maintain confidentiality.
11. Strong communication skills and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with students, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
12. Evidence of excellent problem-solving and organization skills with attention to detail.
13. Willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed.