Environmental Microbiology Lab Specialist - Field Research

Gamma Phi Omega International; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Paulos Lab in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is seeking a full-time Research Laboratory Specialist to support environmental surveillance and infectious disease research, handling environmental and biological samples for ddPCR and sequencing.

You will help establish laboratory infrastructure, develop workflows, create SOPs, manage procurement, and mentor students while ensuring biosafety compliance and collaborating with researchers.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in epidemiology, environmental health, environmental engineering, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of experience with molecular methods (qPCR, dPCR, or ddPCR) and processing environmental or biological samples.
• Experience establishing, optimizing, or troubleshooting laboratory workflows.
• Basic proficiency in data analysis using R or Python.
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills; ability to work with students, staff, and collaborators.
• For senior level, a Master's degree and 5–6 years of experience are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to surveillance of avian influenza in wild birds & surface water projects; travel to field sites.
• Establish and maintain a new environmental microbiology laboratory, procure equipment, document workflows, and create SOPs.
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate researchers in microbiology methods; coordinate daily activities.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety requirements.
• Perform other research duties as assigned.

Skills

Molecular methods

ddPCR/qPCR/dPCR

Data analysis (R/Python)

Lab management

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in epidemiology / environmental health / microbiology

Tools

R

Python

Job description

The Paulos Lab in the Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health is seeking a full-time Research Laboratory Specialist to support environmental surveillance and infectious disease research, handling environmental and biological samples for ddPCR and sequencing.

You will help establish laboratory infrastructure, develop workflows, create SOPs, manage procurement, and mentor students while ensuring biosafety compliance and collaborating with researchers.