Environmental Analytical Chemistry Laboratory Technician
Listed on 2026-02-09
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Research/Development
Research Scientist -
Science
Research Scientist
Overview
About the Job
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:
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.
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.
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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.
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…
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