Research Lab Technician Lead - Kling Lab

University Of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The EEB Kling Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a Research Lab Technician Lead to oversee environmental sample analyses, data handling, and field operations. You will coordinate analytical chemistry work, manage shipments, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities include training staff, performing statistical analysis in R, using AI tools for data interpretation, and assisting with proposals and manuscripts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a natural science discipline such as biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences.
• 2-3 years of experience preferred with lab experience in detailed biogeochemical analyses.
• Experience in field collection of environmental samples in remote areas; ability to operate and coordinate a research collection program.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze environmental samples (water, soil); perform field work in remote areas.
• Perform analytical chemistry assays and biological characterization.
• Troubleshoot lab equipment and analyses; ensure data quality.
• Enter data into spreadsheets and online repositories; conduct statistical analysis in R.
• Apply AI tools to data analysis; contribute to proposals and manuscripts.

Skills

Data entry & analysis

R statistics

AI data tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences

Tools

Total Organic Carbon analyzer

nutrient autoanalyzer

auto-titrator

fluorometer

CHN analyzer

ion & gas chromatography

Job description

Research Lab Technician Lead - Kling Lab

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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.

Mission Statement

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 Summary

The EEB Kling Lab is searching for a Research Lab Tech Lead. You can find more information on the Kling Lab here .

The Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology embraces education and research on virtually all aspects of biodiversity, including:

• origins and history of species ranging from bacteria to humans
• processes by which this diversity has evolved
• ecological context in which this evolution takes place

These basic sciences underline some of the most important applied sciences in the world today, such as:

• global climate change
• sustainable agriculture
• emergence and spread of infectious diseases
• invasive and exotic species
• natural resource management

Responsibilities*

Primary job duties include:

• Collecting and analyzing environmental (water, soil) samples, including challenging field work in remote areas. 15%
• Performing analytical chemistry assays and biological characterization. 15%
• Troubleshoot issues with lab equipment and analyses 5%
• Data entry into computer spreadsheets and online repositories. 5%
• Serve as the primary contact, performing statistical and graphical analysis on data using R and integrating AI tools. Participate in the research and preparation of proposals and manuscripts for publication. 10%
• Order supplies and reagents for lab analyses 5%
• Manage sample (3000+) shipments to/from the Arctic, inventory, and storage 10%
• Serve as an authorized user of radioactive materials and coordinate lab radiation safety 5%
• Serve as primary on-site decision-maker for periods of summer field work 15%
• Train new lab members and seasonal field technicians 15%

Required Qualifications*

A suitable candidate should possess a Bachelor's degree in a natural science discipline such as biology, chemistry, or environmental sciences, plus the ability to translate, adapt, and apply this knowledge. 2-3 years of experience preferred. The successful candidate should have lab experience in detailed, high-quality biogeochemical analyses of samples, and should show evidence of skill in computer data entry and analysis. In addition to the above, desired qualifications include experience in field collection of environmental samples in remote areas under difficult conditions, and experience in operating and coordinating a research collection and analysis program with minimal supervision. Experience in aquatic ecology or with the following laboratory instruments is also required: Total Organic Carbon analyzer, nutrient autoanalyzer, auto-titrator, fluorometer, Carbon-Hydrogen-Nitrogen analyzer, and ion and gas chromatography.

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 .

Additional Information

This position is one year term limited with possibility of renewal based on performance, and availability of work and funding.

As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

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 checksare 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 maybegin as early as the eighth day after posting.Thisopening 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.

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Working Title

Research Lab Technician Lead - Kling Lab