Class C Minnetonka Research Paraprofessional at Minnetonka High School

Paraprofessional

Assignment: 8 hours per day, 184 days per year Minimum hourly rate: $21.86 (Based on the  wage schedule.) Benefit eligible position.

Job Responsibilities:

• 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.
• 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).
• Support students in the use of and operate/troubleshoot biosafety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges, RT-qPCR, and other supporting laboratory equipment.
• Supervise students in the lab during extended lab hours (before school, and after school as needed).
• Work with and support students using hazardous chemicals and biological materials (handling and disposal) using appropriate PPE.
• 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).
• Ensure student adherence to safety protocols in a research lab.
• Set up and clean up the science laboratory and materials/equipment.
• Monitor and maintain student sign-up schedules for lab access.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and equipment service providers.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Job Qualifications:

• A college degree in a scientific field OR relevant laboratory, medical, technical or research experience.
• Evidence of science knowledge and experience.
• Evidence of a basic understanding of the physical and biological sciences.
• Evidence of a working knowledge of chemical compatibility, hazards, and waste disposal.
• Ability to work effectively with high school students.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of school staff.
• Works independently and manages multiple protocols routinely.
• Effectively manages projects and workload as assigned by research instructors.
• A willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, and equipment.
• Evidence of ability to respect, protect, and maintain confidentiality.
• 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.
• Evidence of excellent problem-solving and organization skills with attention to detail.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule as needed.