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
The Duhaime laboratory in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology is seeking a Research Lab Specialist Associate to lead the lab's Great Lakes microplastics research program. This position will take ownership of field sampling campaigns, refine and expand existing water-sampling protocols, develop new sediment analysis protocols, establish a new fish and benthic invertebrate ecotoxicology study, and supervise undergraduate researchers supporting this work. This is an ideal opportunity for an early-career scientist to grow into a project-leadership role within a large-scale, multi-partner environmental science effort.
Responsibilities*
Lab Operations and Project Establishment (50%)
- Refine existing water-sampling and filtration protocols and develop new sediment analysis protocols for microplastics detection
- Establish and maintain a new ecotoxicology system for fish and invertebrate (worm) exposure studies, including husbandry, exposure setup, and equipment maintenance
- Perform routine laboratory work including sample processing, filtration, and basic microscopy/spectroscopy sample prep
- Train and supervise undergraduate students supporting the microplastics project
- Maintain lab supply inventory relevant to the project
Field Collections (5%)
- Lead field sampling campaigns for the Great Lakes microplastics project, including water and sediment collection
- Coordinate logistics for field trips, including multi-day and vessel-based sampling (e.g., EPA CSMI Lake Guardian survey)
- Train and supervise undergraduates during field sampling
Data Analysis and Interpretation (20%)
- Analyze microplastics data using established spectroscopy and imaging workflows
- Use ArcGIS, R or Python to manage and statistically analyze field and lab datasets
- Prepare figures summarizing results for lab meetings, reports, and presentations
Project Management (15%)
- Track progress on the microplastics project and maintain action plans
- Communicate regularly with PI and external collaborators (e.g., EPA CSMI partners, Georgian Bay Forever) on project status
- Help troubleshoot logistical and technical problems as they arise
Authoring and Presenting (10%)
- Contribute to manuscript preparation related to the microplastics project
- Present findings at lab meetings and, as opportunities arise, at conferences
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor's degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field (recent graduates welcome)
- 1 to 3 years of related experience
- Traveling required for field work
- Experience with field sampling in an aquatic/freshwater setting
- Experience with standard molecular/microbiological lab techniques (DNA extraction, PCR, microscopy, aseptic technique)
- Programming experience in R or Python for data management and analysis
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple concurrent project tasks
Desired Qualifications*
- Master's Degree preferred
- Experience with microplastics sampling, extraction, or spectroscopic analysis (FTIR, Raman, or similar)
- Experience with aquatic organism culturing, husbandry, or ecotoxicology methods (fish and/or invertebrates)
- Small boat operation experience
- Experience training or mentoring undergraduate researchers
- Scientific writing experience (manuscript preparation, co-authorship)
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 of renewal based on availability of funds, availability of work, and performance.
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.
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 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.