Research Laboratory Specialist, Dick Lab

Laboratory Research Specialist

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan seeks a full-time Laboratory Research Specialist to manage the Geomicrobiology Laboratory and the Great Lakes Center for Freshwaters and Human Health. The successful candidate will work with a team of graduate students, postdocs, and staff to train and mentor students and conduct laboratory and field research on microbiomes, with a focus on harmful cyanobacterial blooms in the Great Lakes. The position requires regular, onsite presence in the laboratory to support research operations and train users.

Responsibilities include:

Senior:

• Lead, develop, design, and conduct research on multiple projects, including both wet lab and field work in the Dick lab.
• Independently create new methods and work to improve existing laboratory and research techniques.
• Collect and conduct samples for research and data analysis.
• Prepare research reports and write content for final submission into peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research work at conferences.
• Collect data and contribute to the preparation of research reports and peer-review papers.

Lab Operations & Safety

• Provide oversight for the day-to-day operation of the laboratory.
• Train users and staff on laboratory techniques, equipment usage, and protocol standards.
• Maintain laboratory records and ensure compliance with protocol standards.
• Serve as back-up supervisor when the Principal Investigator (PI) is unavailable in the lab.
• Maintain laboratory safety by enforcing protocols, procedures, and university/departmental policies.

Supervision & Training

• Supervise Research Fellows, graduate, and undergraduate students.
• Coach and mentor staff and students on various research techniques.
• Train all staff in the lab.

Collaboration & Communication

• Interact and collaborate with research partners, both internally and externally.
• Present research findings at conferences.

Data Management & Reporting

• Enter data into databases; design and update datasets as needed.
• Develop and implement data management protocols.

Intermediate:

• Develop, design, and conduct research in the Geomicrobiology Lab.
• Create new methodologies and independently improve existing methods.
• Collect samples and data for research reports and peer-reviewed papers.
• Prepare reports and write content for submission to peer-reviewed journals.
• Conduct both wet lab and field work.

Laboratory Operations & Supervision

• Oversee daily operation of the laboratory.
• Train users on laboratory techniques and equipment usage.
• Supervise undergraduate students, providing coaching and mentoring on research techniques.
• Maintain laboratory cultures, records, and protocols.
• Coordinate laboratory usage, sample management, and supply ordering/inventory.

Safety and Compliance

• Enforce laboratory safety protocols and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with departmental and University policies and procedures.

Collaboration, Outreach, & Web Management

• Coordinate collaborative research, outreach, and engagement at the Great Lakes Center for Freshwaters and Human Health.
• Design and update websites using graphical web-based software.
• Plan and coordinate monthly and annual meetings.
• Participate in and coordinate public outreach and engagement with stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation of reports.

Data Management

• Manage research data, including entry into databases.
• Design and update datasets.
• Develop and implement data management protocols.

Required Qualifications include:

Senior:

• BS/BA degree in a recognized field of science or learning directly related to laboratory duties
• 5-6 years of relevant laboratory or research experience
• Experience in a laboratory setting with all of the following:
• Managing budgets or financial resources
• Lab management
• Preparation of microbiological media and reagents, sterile technique, cultivation of bacteria
• Chemical and molecular methods such as gel electrophoresis, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, polymerase chain reaction, and extraction and quantification of nucleic acids. Planning and executing field work with minimal supervision, including coordination and collection of environmental water samples on research vessels on the Great Lakes

Intermediate:

• BS/BA degree plus 4-5 years related experience in a natural science discipline such as microbiology, chemistry, earth science, or environmental sciences.
• Experience in a laboratory setting with experience in two or more of the following:
• Lab management
• Preparation of microbiological media and reagents, sterile technique, cultivation of bacteria
• Chemical and molecular methods such as gel electrophoresis, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, polymerase chain reaction, and extraction and quantification of nucleic acids.
• Planning and executing field work with minimal supervision, including coordination and collection of environmental water samples on research vessels on the Great Lakes

Why Work at Michigan?

• We are so proud that the University of Michigan offers comprehensive benefits to support your wellness as you plan for a stable and secure future. To enhance a career filled with purpose and opportunity, other benefits include:
• Generous time off programs.
• Our retirement plan provides two-for-one matching contributions.
• Comprehensive options for health, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Tuition support, including the ability to take undergraduate courses in LSA at no cost.
• Meeting-free days and communication norms that help you to "unplug" from work.
• Access to deals, discounts, and attractions; see Uniquely Michigan for details.

While you will primarily work from our central campus in Ann Arbor, LSA offers flexible work options. To support work-life balance, LSA has an email policy that limits non-essential emails to weekday business hours. We invite you to take a look at LSA's mission, vision, and values.

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Additional Information

This position may be filled at the intermediate or senior level depending on candidate qualifications and experience.

The salary ranges are as follows: Intermediate-level candidates: $53,600 - $66,950 Senior-level candidates: $63,100 - $78,900

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an