Job Information
University of Michigan Research Lab Specialist Assoc in Ann Arbor, Michigan
Research Lab Specialist Assoc
Apply Now
How to Apply
Candidates can apply by uploading a short cover letter with a CV and contact information for two references addressed to Professor Krista Wigginton.
Job Summary
The Wigginton Lab (PI Krista Wigginton) studies viruses outside of their hosts and work on innovative approaches to detecting, monitoring, and characterizing viruses found in water, air, and on surfaces. The lab probes the mechanisms by which viruses lose their infectivity in both engineered and natural systems and leverage findings from this work to improve non-pharmaceutical interventions aimed at reducing the spread of pathogenic viruses.
We are looking to bring on a full-time research technician (100% time regular staff position; 40hrs/wk) to support different aspects of work in the lab. Work will be conducted at both North (EWRE) and Central (SPH) campuses at the University of Michigan. The primary role of these positions will be lab-based, focused on extracting and concentrating field-collected samples and then running those samples through ddPCR. Duties require molecular lab experience and an ability to work well with others.
Who We Are
Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top number one public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/ .
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/
Responsibilities*
Sample processing, method development, virus cultivation, lab management, and lab maintenance (80%) - The primary responsibility of this position is to culture bacteriophages and eukaryotic viruses; to quantify organisms in environmental samples with ddPCR. This position requires molecular lab experience. Other duties include performing monthly lab inspections, oversee the cleaning and maintenance of equipment, act as the primary resource for lab safety management, oversee undergraduates in basic lab maintenance tasks and lab safety, and be responsible for ordering research and laboratory supplies and maintaining appropriate databases.
Data management (10%) - The applicant will have responsibilities that include data management, conducting quality control on results, uploading results to cloud storage, sharing data with our collaborators at other institutes, and presenting results to the group (see below), and possibly running R scripts for visualization.
Lab meetings & communication of results (10%) - Our research team has a weekly lab meeting to discuss sample processing and future directions. The applicant will be expected to communicate results of their work to our group, send updates to our community and research partners, perform various computational projects to support research in the lab, and aid in other public outreach efforts.
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in engineering, epidemiology, chemistry, or biology (broadly defined) with significant wet lab experience, including molecular methods.
Willingness to work as part of a team.
Desired Qualifications*
Experience working with environmental samples.
Some flexibility with working hours - running a large ddPCR plate can take 8-9 hours so a day that starts at 8am isn't uncommon.
Experience coding in R.
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 thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .
Additional Information
This is a one year term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. Start date will be between mid to late September 2024, depending on availability.
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.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
253942
Working Title
Research Lab Specialist Assoc
Job Title
Research Lab Specialist Assoc
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
Civil & Environmental Engr
Posting Begin/End Date
9/03/2024 - 9/17/2024
Salary
$45,231.00 - $52,770.00
Career Interest
Research
Apply Now
