How to Apply
A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below. In addition, please provide contact information for two or three references.
Questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at [email protected].
Job Summary
The Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Laboratory Specialist to join our new and growing laboratory. Our lab investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior, with a particular focus on how the hormones associated with parenting modulate sensory processing of offspring vocal cues in an avian model system (zebra finch). This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a newly funded NIH project and to play a central role in establishing in vivo electrophysiology techniques from the ground up in a new lab environment. The Research Laboratory Specialist will be an integral part of the research team, working closely with the PI and other researchers in the lab to ensure smooth execution of experiments and daily lab operations.
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?
The University of Michigan offers an extraordinary intellectual environment, with world-class neuroscience, psychology, and biomedical research communities, extensive core facilities, and a vibrant culture of collaboration across disciplines. Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan - a city consistently ranked among the best places to live in the U.S. - you'll enjoy a dynamic, culturally rich community with excellent restaurants, music and arts, easy access to nature, and a welcoming, progressive atmosphere. Successful applicants will join a vibrant community of scientists in the Brain & Behavior area and the UM Psychology Department, as well as through the Michigan Neuroscience Institute.
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*
- Independently develop, configure, and maintain an in vivo electrophysiology system to support research activities. This includes ordering and assembling equipment, troubleshooting hardware and software issues, and piloting experimental protocols to ensure data reliability and system performance.
- Independently design, conduct, and analyze electrophysiological experiments in awake, behaving animals consistent with the lab?s research goals. Apply advanced research techniques and methodologies, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility of results. Maintain detailed records of experimental procedures and outcomes.
- Manage day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, inventory, and safety compliance.
- Provide oversight and training to laboratory staff, graduate students, and undergraduate assistants in in vivo electrophysiology research methods, data collection, and laboratory best practices. May supervise exempt and non-exempt personnel.
- Prepare and co-author scientific manuscripts, reports, and presentations. Collaborate with the Principal Investigator to present research findings at scientific meetings and conferences. Contribute to the development of grant proposals and progress reports.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- 4 to 5 years related experience with in vivo electrophysiology (single-unit, multi-unit, or related approaches) in animal models.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct and analyze experiments independently.
- Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
Desired Qualifications*
- Master's degree or above in related field
- Previous experience with neuroendocrinology, hormone manipulation, or sensory neurobiology.
- Experience with setting up custom hardware/electrode building and troubleshooting complex experimental systems (e.g., microdrives, tetrodes, cannulation systems).
- Experience working with avian model systems.
- Experience mentoring or training students in technical methods.
- A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to a new laboratory setup and culture.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and record-keeping skills.
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 2026, however, the start date can be flexible.
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 https://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.