Research Lab Specialist, Molecular Biogeochemistry, Kharbush Lab

Research Lab Specialist, Molecular Biogeochemistry, Kharbush Lab

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Who We Are

EARTH is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. The unit is home to approximately 40 faculty and 25 regular administrative and lab staff, 160 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate students. The mission of the department is to promote education and scientific discovery about our planet. We welcome all who are curious about the EARTH and we strive to create an environment that is accessible and supportive to everyone. Find more about the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences here .

Mission Statement

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Job Summary

The Microbial Biogeochemistry Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan is seeking a full-time laboratory technician to manage research projects in molecular biogeochemistry, including the study of nitrogen-containing biomarkers via compound-specific isotope analysis.

Primary responsibilities will include the preparation and analysis of water, sediment, and culture samples in the lab; independently running, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation; and scientific data entry, processing, and visualization. Instrumentation includes our gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometer (GC-IRMS), a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a SEAL nutrient analyzer, and a membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS).

The successful candidate will independently manage projects and advise on research group projects, and will collaborate on conceptual project design, experimental approaches, methods development, as well as assist with publications and proposals. The candidate should exhibit a willingness to learn and develop new methods and techniques, as well as instruct students and other lab users in best practices for stable isotope applications in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry. The technician is responsible for instructing on safety in the lab and maintaining compliance with SOPs. Candidates should also have excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a full benefits package.

Required Qualifications*

• B.S./B.A. degree in engineering, geochemistry, geoscience, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Intermediate level candidates will have 4-5 years of experience in addition to their education
• Associate level candidates will have 1-3 years of experience in addition to their education
• At least 2 years lab experience in the operation and/or maintenance of modern instruments for quantitative chemical, isotopic, and/or geological analysis.
• Familiarity with common software and platforms (e.g., MSWord, Excel, Adobe)

Desired Qualifications*

• MS degree/Ph.D. in engineering, geochemistry, geoscience, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of any of the following: elemental analyzer, isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to multiple peripheral systems (such as elemental analyzer, trace gas concentrator, gas chromatograph), mass spectrometers, liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, SEAL nutrient analyzer, MIMS
• Research experience with stable isotope applications
• Record of scholarly research and/or collaboration in engineering, geochemistry, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field

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 LSAs 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 .

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

Salary for this position at the Associate level is $42,400 - $53,000

Salary for this position at the Intermediate level is $53,600 - $67,000

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.

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 checksare 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 maybegin as early as the eighth day after posting.Thisopening 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 environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Working Title

Research Lab Specialist, Molecular Biogeochemistry, Kharbush Lab