Description

Apply Your Chemistry Skills to Shape the Future of Agriculture

The Agricultural Utilization Research Institute (AURI) helps move innovative ideas from concept to commercialization by advancing value-added uses for agricultural products and coproducts. 

We're seeking a Lab Technician who enjoys laboratory work, analytical problem-solving, and collaborating with multidisciplinary project teams. This position is ideal for someone who wants to apply chemistry to help solve real-world challenges involving food, renewable energy, biomaterials, and coproduct innovation.

 If you're energized by laboratory analysis, developing analytical methods, and helping bring new technologies to market, we'd love to hear from you.

 What You'll Do

You'll provide analytical chemistry support across a variety of applied research and development projects, including:

• Perform physical and chemical analyses using a variety of analytical instrumentation
• Calculate, interpret, document, and communicate analytical results
• Write technical reports and maintain laboratory documentation
• Maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate calibration and maintenance
• Collaborate with scientists and technical specialists on multidisciplinary research projects
• Coordinate third party laboratory testing when needed
• Support projects involving agricultural biomass, food products, renewable energy, coproducts, and biobased materials

Who This Position is For

If you're building a career in a clinical, manufacturing, food, or quality control laboratory and enjoy hands-on analytical work, AURI offers the opportunity to apply those same skills in a research environment. You'll work with experienced scientists on a wide variety of projects, helping solve practical challenges that create new opportunities for Minnesota agriculture. It's a role for someone who enjoys learning, values precision, and wants to see their laboratory work contribute to innovations that make a difference.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a related scientific discipline (such as Medical Laboratory Technician, Laboratory Technology/Science, Process Technology, Biology, or Agriculture)
• Three years of related laboratory experience
• Knowledge of analytical chemistry principles and laboratory practices
• Experience working with analytical instrumentation
• Understanding of laboratory safety and hazardous waste procedures
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office
• Valid U.S. driver's license
• Eligibility to work in the United States long term

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Chemistry or a related field
• Five or more years of relevant laboratory experience
• Hands-on experience with:
• Gas Chromatography (GC)
• High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)
• Experience with Chromeleon, ChemStation, FlashSmart, or ICP Expert software.