Job Description

How to Apply

Upload a cover letter and a CV, including any relevant publications, to the online application system. Finalists must submit three letters of recommendation online to [email protected] under the subject First_LastName_LOR; you will be notified when to submit these. 

Job Summary

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of Michigan seeks a curious, skilled, and motivated individual to work as a Research Laboratory Technician Senior. The desired candidate will work under the guidance of the PI and/or a postdoctoral fellow in a molecular biology and neuroscience laboratory that studies the biology of nutrition and disease.

The goal of the Dus Lab - Laboratory of Nutrigenomics - is to understand how nutrients change the ways we perceive and interact with the world.  We aim to empower people with the knowledge and tools to advocate for food environments that support healthier and happier lives.

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology conducts basic research about the function of all branches of life - bacteria, plants, and animals. The research portfolio includes more than 40 sponsored awards, amounting to more than $8 million. We are also home to the more 300 students each year who graduate with majors in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; plant biology; biology, health and society; and microbiology.

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

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.

Responsibilities*

The candidate must have previous research experience in molecular, developmental biology or neuroscience. Experience with animal models, confocal microscopy, and molecular biology techniques (RNA, qPCR, western) is preferred. The successful applicant will conduct and troubleshoot experiments, record and analyze the resulting data, and organize the data for publication. This person will also actively participate in lab meetings and must be willing to learn and develop new knowledge and skills in order to establish new experimental protocols and to contribute to the completion of project goals.

Specific responsibilities:
25% effort: Lab administrative/organizational work - ordering, inventory, keeping track of expenditures, interacting with lab safety, collecting packages, setting up, and maintaining equipment. Oversee animal maintenance.

50% effort: Conduct experiments - research will involve molecular biology, fluorescence microscopy, brain dissection, behavior, metabolical assays, and Drosophila husbandry. Analyze data with complex statistical and computational software for fly behavior. Write up results with post-docs; aid with making figures for publication.

25% effort: Training and supervision of 2-3 undergraduate students and students who maintain animals. Mentorship and supervision of 1-2 rotation students. 

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree with educational emphasis in science and 1-2 years of related experience; experience may be concurrent with undergraduate studies. Must be creative, meticulous, self-motivated, and able to work with and organize a team for large-scale experiments.  

Desired Qualifications*

Experience with confocal imaging and with fine dissections, Drosophila husbandry, and genetics is desired.

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 is a one-year term-limited position with the possibility to extend it for longer.

Under FLSA, incumbents in this position are nonexempt and are eligible for overtime for any hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.

As one of the world's great liberal arts 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

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