Environmental Microbiology Lab Specialist & Project Lead

Kappaalphapsi1911; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The Paulos Lab 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. The specialist will contribute to environmental microbiology work including wastewater, surface water, soil, and biological samples for downstream ddPCR and sequencing.

As an early member of the new lab, you will help establish infrastructure, develop and validate workflows and assays, and create SOPs and

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, including qPCR, dPCR, or ddPCR, and experience processing environmental or biological samples.
• Experience establishing, optimizing, or troubleshooting laboratory workflows.
• Basic proficiency in data analysis using R, Python, or similar software.
• Excellent organizational, written, and oral communication skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively with students, staff, and research collaborators.
• For the senior level, a Master's degree and 5-6 years of experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to new and ongoing research projects, including surveillance of avian influenza in wild bird populations & surface water, development of a low-cost mobile wastewater monitoring technology in partnership with rural communities, and other projects as needed. Travel to local field sites for sample collection
• Establish and maintain a new environmental microbiology laboratory, including procurement of equipment, supplies, and reagents; establish and document environmental processing workflows and create SOPs. Oversee purchasing, shipping, and receiving. Arrange for equipment maintenance and repair
• Train and supervise undergraduate and graduate researchers and other laboratory personnel in environmental microbiology methods and best practices; coordinate day-to-day research activities and monitor progress toward project milestones
• Ensure compliance with biosafety requirements
• Other research duties as assigned

Education

Master's degree in epidemiology, environmental health, environmental engineering, microbiology, molecular biology, or a related field

Job description

The Paulos Lab 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. The specialist will contribute to environmental microbiology work including wastewater, surface water, soil, and biological samples for downstream ddPCR and sequencing.

As an early member of the new lab, you will help establish infrastructure, develop and validate workflows and assays, and create SOPs and