How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
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
Join the Undergraduate Programs in Biology and Neuroscience to work in the lab/classroom support team. Our team supports undergraduate lab classes by providing the reagents, materials, and equipment needed for each course. This role gives experience in a broad range of biological fields. The candidate will work with a team of lab faculty, graduate student instructors, and student lab assistants.
Responsibilities*
50% Specific Classroom laboratories require the planning, scheduling, preparation, and distribution of materials and equipment, independently or with the aid of student employees. Keep laboratory space and preparation areas clean, usable and EHS compliant. Use precision instruments, autoclaves and dishwashers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, incubators, and more, to accomplish responsibilities. Oversee the daily lab operations for one or more courses. Working with GSIs and faculty to achieve successful experimental goals. Troubleshoot problems encountered during lab classes. Assist GSIs in understanding and managing technical aspects of lab activities, safety incidents, and fire alarms. This includes assisting with lab schedules to accommodate unscheduled (make-up) lab activities.
15% Work with faculty course instructors each semester to determine course needs, while keeping within budgetary limits. Use prepared lab experiment schedules and the University purchasing system to order, track and store course materials, keeping within time and storage constraints. On occasion, the weekly schedule will need to be modified to accommodate early and late hours, or a few weekend hours.
15% Implement EHS regulations, including the use of PPE, equipment, and hazardous waste collection.
10% Regularly revise and update course manuals with information needed for staff to complete course preparations. This includes detailed protocols, lists of lab materials, the storage locations, setup, take down and any technical information.
10% May manage one or more part-time student employees. This includes scheduling, EHS training, work accuracy oversight, lab skill training, and mentoring. This should include skill development with students in lab safety, lab protocols, and work ethics as tools to achieve the successful operation of course laboratory goals.
An essential portion of this position includes working with faculty, GSI's, staff, and students to organize, as part of a team, the development, communication, and implementation of designated protocols for specific laboratory courses in the Program in Biology, EEB, MCDB, or the Program in Neuroscience.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in an area of Biology or other related biological sciences, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience with materials preparation, basic biology methods, chemistry techniques, plus computer skills are required; excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills; ability to work well under pressure, solve problems, and meet deadlines is essential. Must possess strong organizational skills and a willingness and ability to learn new laboratory techniques. Must be a team player with a willingness to work cooperatively to achieve common goals. Patience with people and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, including schedule changes. 1 year of experience required.
Desired Qualifications*
Master's degree in an area of Biology or other biological sciences. Experience working with the operation of laboratory equipment, including computer software; high level of interpersonal, email, and verbal communication skills; ability to work well under pressure, flexibility with a work schedule, including brief work on a Saturday/Sunday. The ability to solve problems and independence in meeting deadlines are essential. Experience working with and providing guidance to staff. Hands-on experience with basic lab techniques as well as knowledge of protein, RNA, DNA analysis, microbiology, vertebrate anatomy, genetics, botany, animal physiology, plant taxonomy, Drosophila melanogaster stock handling, or EHS is desirable.
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
Please note that this is a 9-month recurring seasonal appointment. This position is an on-campus role. Don't think you meet all the qualifications, but still think you'd excel with us? Please apply! We want to hear from you.
Given the program's focus on providing ample student-facing support, this position is predominantly expected to be in-person/on campus. After initial onboarding, the incumbent may occasionally have the flexibility to do some work from home as determined by the supervisor. The program reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employees.
The salary range for this position will be: Technician Level $39,200 - $49,000
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.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Union Affiliation
This position is included in the bargaining unit represented by the University Staff United (USU), which represents bargaining unit members in all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
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.
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.