Research Lab Specialist

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

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 research on environmental surveillance and infectious disease transmission. The specialist will contribute to environmental microbiology research involving the collection and processing of environmental and biological samples, including wastewater, surface water, soil, and human and animal specimens, for downstream ddPCR and sequencing applications.

As an early member of a new research laboratory, the specialist will play a key role in establishing laboratory infrastructure, developing and validating new laboratory workflows and assays, and creating SOPs and quality‑control systems. The specialist will also contribute to laboratory management, including procurement, equipment maintenance, and biosafety compliance, and will train and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.

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

Required 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.

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.

Underfill Statement

This position may be filled at the Senior level based on the qualifications of the selected candidate. The salary range for the Senior level is $64,867-80,130. The Lead level salary range is $79,475 - 98,175.

Additional Information

This is a term‑limited appointment that will end one year from appointment start date, with the potential for an extension depending upon available funding and performance.

Michigan Public Health is seeking a dynamic staff member with a commitment to contributing to a welcoming environment for all members of our community.

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.