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.

The Microbe-Mineral Lab, led by PI Jena Johnson, in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan seeks a Laboratory Research Specialist to oversee lab operations and support daily research. The successful candidate will collaborate with a team of graduate students, postdocs, and staff to conduct laboratory research and serve as the laboratory safety officer.

(25%) Assist PI with research projects (e.g., performing geochemical experiments, characterizing experimental precipitates using multiple spectroscopic/imaging methods, and/or producing Raman maps of rock thin sections) and drafting figures/tables/data

(20%) Equipment maintenance - Includes maintaining functioning anoxic M. Braun glove boxes, troubleshooting laboratory issues, and maintaining other lab equipment (e.g., UV-vis spectrophotometer, shakers, ovens, freezers, pH meters, etc.

(20%) Ordering and organizing lab supplies; cleaning workspaces

(15%) Train and instruct members of the lab, including assisting graduate students with their experimental and analytical needs and training/mentoring new undergraduate researchers

(10%) Serve as lab safety officer - Including arranging for pick-up of hazardous waste and ensuring safety protocols are followed

(10%) Raman Microprobe - upkeep, assisting lab personnel with Raman analyses, and assisting external users with data acquisition

Bachelors in Earth Science/Geoscience or Chemistry or equivalent combination of experience and education. The ideal candidate will have experience with Raman spectroscopy, working in anaerobic chambers, and other wet chemical and/or microbiological techniques. Strong organizational, mechanical, and problem-solving skills needed. The successful applicant will be a self-motivated individual who actively seeks opportunities to improve skills, expertise, and lab efficiency.  Must demonstrate good interpersonal and communication skills as mentoring undergraduate researchers and maintaining a supportive lab environment will be integral to the job.

Master’s degree in Earth Science/Chemistry/ Microbiology or related field with 2 to 3 years’ experience in an active research laboratory environment preferred.

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts seeks to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitments to serve the diverse people of Michigan, fulfill the College’s Guiding Principles, and sustain the excellence of LSA. 

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.

To learn more about LSA’s Strategic Vision, visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

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.

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 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.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely.   More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.