Lab Support Specialist

A laboratory operations support position located in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/Saint Paul, MN with the primary responsibility of performing common technical tasks in a medical laboratory environment. Individuals in this role work closely with lab staff to prioritize tasks and complete those as assigned. Reliability and thoroughness are essential for success in this position and the ability to perform tasks as dictated by procedure.

Lab Coordinators are required to adhere to all Eye Bank Association of America (EBAA) Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and Lions Gift of Sight (LGS) policies, procedures, standards, and regulations. Lions Gift of Sight is an entity of the Department of Ophthalmology within the University of Minnesota Medical School.

This is a part time (20 hours/week) position with a variable schedule that may include day and weekend shifts.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

I. Instruments, Equipment, and general lab maintenance.

A. Perform decontamination, inspection, lubrication, and maintenance of surgical instruments.

B. Wrap and sterilize equipment in accordance with AORN standards and stock instruments after sterilization.

C. Assist in the maintenance of equipment including refrigeration equipment, autoclaves, ultrasonic cleaners, centrifuges, microscopes, and other electronic and mechanical ophthalmology equipment

II. Inventory & Supply.

A. Support general inventory tasks including receiving, inspecting, labeling of supplies, with particular attention to lot numbers and expiration dates

B. Utilize supply management software to perform inventory related functions

C. Prepare kits for laboratory processing and tissue recovery procedures

1. Ensure accuracy during kit assembly

2. Ensure shipped items meet specifications, are unexpired, and proper shipping materials are used to protect the shipments.

3. Replace kit components as needed to ensure transplant compliance.

D. Report any expired or damaged supplies

E. Monitor par/stock levels for 3-4 remote supply storage locations and ensure adequate stock levels are maintained

III. Tissue Processing Assisting / Circulation.

A. Prepare environment, supplies and equipment prior to and following procedure.

B. Operate equipment, assist processor, and complete documentation during the procedure.

C. Ensure ISBT labeling.

IV. Special Projects

A. Maintain training in all applicable skills, including sharps, bloodborne pathogens, biohazard materials handling, and other LGS specific policies.

C. Complete additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

All required qualifications must be included in the application materials

Required Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• High school or GED diploma plus two (2) years of related work experience.
• Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision and dynamically prioritize tasks
• Strong fine motor skills for handling of delicate instruments and equipment
• Ability to understand and adhere to aseptic technique, universal precautions, and LGS policies and procedures
• Capability to use standard office and business equipment
• Ability to creatively problem solve and adapt to a changing environment
• Self-motivated, responsible, and reliable
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, frequently push, pull, squat, bend, and reach objects
• Ability to work effectively on a team and resolve conflicts calmly and successfully

Preferred Qualifications:

• Laboratory/medical equipment operation and maintenance experience
• Supply handling or inventory management experience

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Neurosciences and its success is built upon the innovation and drive of every member of our team, from faculty to administrators to technicians. Put simply, all of us are driven to provide the best eye care for our patients, discover new treatments, and educate the next generation of eye care professionals.

For more information, please visit our website at https://med.umn.edu/Ophthalmology.

Lions Gift of Sight (formerly Minnesota Lions Eye Bank) was established after the partnership between the Lions and the Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Neurosciences came to life in 1960, providing donor eye tissue for transplant, research, and teaching and promoting donation through education. Lions Gift of Sight has helped restore sight to more than 22,000 people by providing cornea tissue for transplantation and is one of the largest and most successful eye banks in the world.

For more information, please visit our website at: https://www.lionsgiftofsight.org/

Pay Range: $24.48 to $33.16 per hour we anticipate most offers will be around the midpoint of this range, depending on education and experience.

Time Appointment Category: 50% Appointment

Position Type: 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
• 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
  

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.

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).