Research Laboratory Technician Intermediate

Kappaalphapsi1911; Ann Arbor, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Michigan Medicinal Chemistry department invites applications for a research lab technician to contribute to a large plant metabolomic database. The role covers cultivation of diverse plants, sample extraction for LCMS, and data generation and processing for public repositories, with instrument maintenance and data organization in the Kersten lab.

Candidates should have 1–2 years of wet-lab experience in chemistry or plant biology, strong organizational and communication skills,

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of wet-lab research in chemistry or plant biology.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Good communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Cultivation of diverse plants from seeds to seedlings.
• Collection of plant material at the seedling stage.
• Extraction of plant tissue samples and LCMS preparation.
• Acquire LCMS metabolomic data using established methods.
• Process and store data in public repositories.
• Maintain the LCMS instrument and Kersten lab infrastructure.
• Organize plant database samples and data.

Skills

Wet-lab experience

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

B.S./M.S. in natural sciences

Tools

LCMS instrument

Job description

Job Summary

The department of Medicinal Chemistry is seeking a research lab technician. The lab technician will contribute to the generation of a large plant metabolomic database covering phylogenetically diverse plants. The job includes cultivation of diverse plants from seeds to seedlings, collection of plant material at the seedling stage, extraction of plant tissue samples based on an established protocol, sample preparation of plant extracts for liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) analysis on a Kersten lab mass spectrometer, acquisition of LCMS metabolomic data based on established LCMS methods, and processing and storage of LCMS metabolomic data into public data repository. The job also includes maintenance of the Kersten lab LCMS instrument (cleaning and repair) and organization of the plant database samples and data in the Kersten lab infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Cultivation of diverse plants from seeds to seedlings
• Collection of plant material at the seedling stage (checking species-specific germination protocols, germination and cultivation in the Kersten lab plant room)
• Extraction of plant tissue samples and LCMS sample preparation based on an established protocol
• Acquisition of LCMS metabolomic data based on established LCMS methods. Potentially, new methods will be developed with the PI for plant metabolomic LCMS analysis.
• Processing and storage of LCMS metabolomic data into public data repository
• Maintenance of the Kersten lab LCMS instrument (cleaning and repair)
• Organization of the plant database samples and data in the Kersten lab infrastructure

Required Qualifications

• 1-2 years of wet-lab research experience - either in chemistry or in a plant biology lab
• Great organizational and documentation skills
• Good communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in natural sciences, chemistry or plant sciences
• Analytical chemistry research skills preferred
• Experience in plant cultivation preferred
• Enthusiasm for plant research preferred

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.

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.

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.