Student Posting - NRRI Student Research Assistant; Environmental Chemistry Laboratory

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory at the Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is seeking Undergraduate Research Assistants 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 but are not limited to bench-scale evaluation of adsorption-based technologies for removal of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from stormwater and groundwater, evaluation of PFAS fate during anaerobic digestion of food waste, and assessment of legacy and emerging contaminants in sediments of the Great Lakes. The Undergraduate Research Assistants will provide hands-on laboratory support and work closely with research staff, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers.

We are hiring for up to three hourly positions with a time commitment of 8-16 hours per week during the fall/spring semesters and at least 16 hours per week during the summer at a starting hourly rate of $15.25/hr. Students who show satisfactory progress in their training and demonstrate the ability to perform tasks independently may be eligible to work up to 40 hours per week during the summer, as needed to support ongoing project activities. The ability to continue in the position during both the summer and the fall/spring semesters is preferred but not required.

Students must be able to provide their own transportation to NRRI, located in Hermantown, MN and is not accessible by public transportation. They also must have availability in their schedules to be present onsite at NRRI on two to three days per week for at least three consecutive hours at a time between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm. Note that transport between campus and NRRI requires 20 minutes at a minimum. Students applying to work during the fall/spring semesters should submit documentation of their course schedules with their applications to support their availability.

Job Duties:

1. Sample preparation (35%): Prepare environmental and laboratory-generated samples for analysis by liquid chromatography and/or gas chromatography, including cleaning and preparing glassware and extraction cells, weighing samples, and performing extraction procedures according to standard operating procedures. Operation of routine laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, sonicators, analytical balances, and pH meters. Maintaining detailed notes to document sample preparation procedures daily.
2. Experimental support (35%): Assist with experimental tasks, including assembly/preparation of experimental vessels and apparatus, collection, labelling, and storage of samples, preparation of reagents, and maintaining detailed notes to document experimental procedures daily.
3. General laboratory upkeep (30%): Cleaning laboratory glassware and laboratory spaces, gathering laboratory waste for disposal, assisting with updating chemical inventories.

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled undergraduate student in Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline.
• Completion of General Chemistry I & II lecture and laboratory courses.
• The ability to meet the minimum availability requirements listed above to be onsite at NRRI during work hours between 8:00am - 5:00pm Monday - Friday (16 hours per week during the summer, 8 hours per week during the fall/spring semesters).
• Focus and attention to detail to carry out laboratory tasks on time and with good precision.
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Effective oral and written communication in English.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of coursework in Analytical Chemistry, including a practical laboratory component.
• Experience working in a chemistry laboratory setting, including volunteer work, internship experience, and summer research experience.
• Currently enrolled students in their sophomore or junior year of undergraduate study, with availability to continue their employment through their senior year.
• Communication, outreach, and/or leadership skills, as demonstrated through participation in extracurricular activities or teaching/tutoring activities.
  

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:

1. Applied Ecology and Resource Management
2. Minerals and Metallurgy
3. Materials and Bioeconomy
4. Data Collection and Delivery
5. Commercialization Services

Pay Rate: $15.25 per 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.

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.

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 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.

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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.

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