How to Apply

Upload a cover letter and a CV, including any relevant publications, to the online application system. Finalists must ask the referees to submit three letters of recommendation online to [email protected] under the subject First_LastName_LOR; you will be notified when to submit these. 

Job Summary

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of Michigan seeks a curious, skilled, and motivated individual to work as a Research Lab Specialist Associate. The desired candidate will work independently to analyze bioinformatics and metabolomics datasets from animal and human studies for their own project and to support others in the lab. They will create reports, visualizations, present their data, and write manuscripts and grant proposals under the guidance of the PI.

The goal of the Dus Laboratory of Molecular Nutrition is to understand how nutrients shape health and disease at the molecular and physiological levels. We work on model organisms and collaborate with other laboratories to bring our research to bench and table side.

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology conducts basic research about the function of all branches of life, bacteria, plants, and animals. The research portfolio includes more than 40 sponsored awards, amounting to more than $8 million. We are also home to the more 300 students each year who graduate with majors in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; plant biology; biology, health and society; and microbiology.

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.

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*

The candidate must have previous experience with complex data management, analysis and visualization, including single cell sequencing, genomics, RNAseq, and metabolomics. They must be proficient in several coding languages and be willing to learn as needed. They must have knowledge of molecular, developmental biology or neuroscience to be able to design appropriate experiments and understand the biology underneath the data. The successful applicant will be independent, self-driven, team and growth oriented, and being excited to expand their knowledge into new fields and methodologies. They are expected to have proactive and clear communication, with excellent time management and project organization skills, as well as a collaborative spirit. They should be organized and capable of managing multiple parallel tasks and projects. 

Specific responsibilities:

20% effort: Lab administrative/organizational work - ordering, inventory, keeping track of expenditures, interacting with lab safety, collecting packages, setting up, and maintaining equipment. Oversee animal maintenance.

75% effort: Independent project leadership and management; data collection and analyses; visualization and presentation; manuscript and grant writing; supporting projects in the lab with data analysis and creative methods. Develop and expand collaborations with different labs; seek out public datasets to further research and analysis.

5% effort: Training and supervision of 2-3 undergraduate students and students who maintain animals. On and offboarding.  

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree in science and 1-3 years of related experience. Master in bioinformatics or biology with related research experience in the field preferred. Must be creative, meticulous, self-motivated, and able to work with and organize a team for large-scale experiments.  

Desired Qualifications*

Experience with genomic analysis from single cells to genomes; experience with sample preparation for omic experiments. 

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 term-limited position for up to 1 year with an option for renewal based on availability of work, availability of funding, and overall performance.

Under FLSA, incumbents in this position are nonexempt and are eligible for overtime for any hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.

As one of the worlds 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 LSAs 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.