Operations Lead

Major job functions for this position include the following.

1) Laboratory experiments - 60%
- Perform multiple complex scientific procedures effectively, efficiently and independently.
- Meet project specifications on time.
- Track multiple concurrent projects.
- Maintain a required high level of cleanliness and refined processing technique to ensure samples are not contaminated.
- Carry out laboratory experiments under the direction of UMGC scientists.
- Troubleshoot experiments.
- Operate all related specialized instrumentation and technologies, i.e. liquid handling robots, QuantStudio 5/7 qPCR instruments.
- Maintain instrumentation per manufacture protocols.
- Work collaboratively with other staff and researchers..

2) Data Collection and Analysis - 20%
- Collect and analyze data using custom or vendor software.
- Evaluate and clearly communicate experimental results.
- Ability to accurately enter, interpret and analyze data using Excel spreadsheets.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.
- Assist with data mining and metadata for improving and tracking UMGC services and processes.

3) Project Management - 20%
- Create and track projects using the UMGC's FileMaker Pro database.
- Correspond with researchers to plan and initiate projects.
- Keep detailed records of experiments.
- Track status for multiple projects to meet deadlines.
- Coordinate experiments with other staff members.

Length of probationary period: 12 months

Percent time of appointment: 100%

40-hour work week will be arranged ahead of time which may include nights and weekends.

The Research Innovation Office (RIO) and Genomics endorses a "work with flexibility" approach that offers a welcoming and flexible work environment where everyone is inspired to do their best. Work location options include working fully remote, partially remote, or entirely in the office and are based on the work of the position. Some on-site work may be necessary for certain positions, even those designated as fully remote. Because we are a land-grant institution that serves the state, the University will continue to- in most cases- expect employees to live in Minnesota.

This position has been designated as Profile 1 and is expected to work primarily on-site. Your office will be located in our leased space at 4Front in Oakdale, MN. Genomics' management retains the right to modify flexible work arrangement agreements on a temporary or permanent basis for any reason at any time.

Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

The Employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Required (Minimum) Qualifications: Position requires BS/BA, and 4 years of related experience in experimental design, troubleshooting and wet lab workflows or equivalent combination of education and work experience equal to eight (8) years. Demonstrated experience with next-generation sequencing library creation, instrument loading, and NGS QA required. Ability to follow oral directions and written protocols precisely (adherence to all laboratory and regulatory safety guidelines) and identify problems/troubleshoot experiments. Must have strong time management to meet deadlines, meticulous organization skills. Must be someone who is independently motivated, reliable, accountable of work, and willing to work in a fast-paced,high-volume laboratory.

Preferred Qualifications: (Selection Criteria): Extensive molecular biology laboratory experience in next-generation sequencing (NGS), including nucleic acid extraction, QA/QC, preparation of next-generation libraries in a high throughout environment, and loading of NGS instrumentation.

This position is located at the University of Minnesota Genomics Center (UMGC) in Oakdale, MN, where we provide cutting-edge services to University and external researchers. This position encompasses two responsibilities: performing high-throughput library preparations for Next-Generation sequencing and expression applications and the related Project Management for these jobs. The laboratory workload consists of following standard operating procedures for nucleic acid manipulation, PCR, operation of advanced liquid handling instrumentation and analysis of quantitative PCR data. Project Management involves written and visual correspondence with researchers and tracking project deadlines. The work for this position is project-based, on-site, and laboratory-office hybrid. This position requires an applicant that excels in organization, multitasking, communication and teamwork

Pay Range: $29.94 - $34.74 per hour; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment Category: 75%-100% Appointment (If job description above does not specify appointment or expected weekly hours, assume a 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 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).