Job Summary
This position supports the Smiley Lab's research program in the neuroscience of songbird behavior by overseeing daily laboratory operations and coordinating with campus partners such as ULAM (animal care), Procurement, and ITS (technical support). The individual will train laboratory personnel in core research techniques, supervise junior research staff, and ensure efficient, safe, and compliant laboratory functioning. Additional responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments aligned with the lab's scientific objectives, analyzing experimental data, and refining research methods as necessary. The incumbent will contribute to the lab's scholarly output by assisting with manuscript preparation, co-authoring publications, and occasionally presenting research findings alongside the Principal Investigator at scientific meetings and conferences.
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.
Why Work at Michigan?
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
In addition, LSA offers:
- Strong commitment to work/life balance
- Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
- Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses
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.
Responsibilities*
- Oversees the daily operations and management of a specialized research laboratory focused on the neuroscience of songbird behavior.
- Serves as primary liaison to internal and external entities, including ULAM (animal husbandry and care), Procurement (ordering and supplies), and ITS (technical support), facilitating collaborative processes and ensuring efficient coordination across departments.
- Provides comprehensive training to laboratory personnel in equipment operation, laboratory techniques (e.g., animal handling, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, ELISA), and safety procedures; explains and demonstrates technological capabilities, operational protocols, limitations, and expected outcomes.
- Supervises and mentors research staff, including exempt and non-exempt junior lab members; supports additional personnel engaged in collaborative research projects and coordinates workflow to maintain lab productivity.
- Independently designs, develops, and executes small to moderately complex experiments aligned with the Smiley Lab's research objectives; monitors project progress, analyzes data, interprets results, and refines methodologies based on findings.
- Co-authors peer-reviewed publications and, in collaboration with the Principal Investigator, co-presents research findings at scientific meetings and conferences.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in psychology or related discipline.
- Four to five years of relevant laboratory or research experience.
- Proven ability to independently design, conduct, and analyze scientific experiments.
Desired Qualifications*
- Leadership and supervisory experience in a research or laboratory setting preferred.
- Master's degree in a related field.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail, with demonstrated accuracy in experimental work and data analysis.
- Effective time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
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
The salary range is $52,400 to $65,500. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.
This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is January 15th, 2026
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 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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.