Research Lab Tech Senior - Duffy Lab

Apply Now
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.

Summary

The Duffy Laboratory at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician. Research in the Duffy Lab lies at the interface of evolutionary, community and disease ecology, and utilizes a combination of field, lab and theoretical studies. Most research focuses on the evolutionary and community ecology of infectious diseases, particularly in natural populations of Daphnia. Some particular foci of our recent work include eco-evolutionary dynamics, the influences of food webs on host-parasite interactions, and multihost, multiparasite interactions.

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*

• Act as the lead on the analysis of experimental data collected
• Maintenance of host, parasite, and algal cultures, performance of specialized methods for environmental microbiology and limnology (including analysis of nutrient samples collect from inland lakes).
• Field sampling of inland lakes in the Ann Arbor area and processing of samples, including counting zooplankton samples (live & preserved) via microscopy, including analyses for parasites and other symbionts. Field season is in summer and fall (mid-July through mid-November). Additional field sampling may be added during May and June. During field season, Research Lab Specialist and Research Lab Tech would conduct field sampling at least twice per week.
• Experimental studies on zooplankton and their symbionts, including infection assays and life tables.
• Assist with general lab maintenance, safety, ordering, inventory, organization, and stock solution preparation.
• Assist with development and testing of protocols in the lab and field. Organize and maintain all lab protocols and procedures in a publishable format on an open source platform (protocols.io, RPubs, github).

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, microbiology, or environmental science with 1 to 2 years of related research experience. Demonstration of strong organizational skills and previous experience performing research in a related field is required. Must work well independently as well as in a group.

Candidate must be proficient in laboratory techniques, including complex procedures
Must have experience with sampling inland lakes and identifying and culturing zooplankton and their microbial parasites. Candidate should have experience with data input and manipulation; preference for candidates with experience performing all data related tasks in R. Must be able to meet eligibility requirements to operate a University-owned vehicle to transport motor boat to field sampling locations (possess a valid drivers license with no more than 6 points on motor vehicle record based on Michigan Motor Vehicle Code traffic violation point system). Must be able to move equipment weighing up to 95 lbs with assistance.

Additional Information

• This is a one year term limited position with possibility of renewal.

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.