Vivo electrophysiology Research Laboratory Specialist

Job Summary

The Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Research Laboratory Specialist to join a new and growing laboratory. The lab investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior, focusing on how hormones associated with parenting modulate sensory processing of offspring vocal cues in an avian model system (zebra finch). This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a newly funded NIH project and to play a central role in establishing in‑vivo electrophysiology techniques from the ground up in a new lab environment.

• Independently develop and maintain an in‑vivo electrophysiology system (including ordering and configuring equipment, troubleshooting hardware/software, and piloting experimental protocols).
• Independently design, conduct, and analyze electrophysiological research experiments in awake, behaving animals related to the lab’s research goals.
• Oversee day‑to‑day operation of a specialized research laboratory focused on the neuroscience of songbird behavior.
• Supervise exempt and non‑exempt research and support personnel, including training junior lab members (graduate and undergraduate students) in technical methods and experimental procedures related to in‑vivo electrophysiology.
• Co‑author publications and may co‑present results with the Principal Investigator at meetings and/or conferences.

• Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience, Biology, Psychology, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
• 4‑5 years of related experience with in‑vivo electrophysiology in animal models.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and analyze experiments independently.
• Proficiency in programming and data analysis (e.g., MATLAB, Python).

• Master’s degree or above in a related field.
• Previous experience with neuroendocrinology, hormone manipulation, or sensory neurobiology.
• Experience with setting up custom hardware/electrode building and troubleshooting complex experimental systems (e.g., microdrives, tetrodes, cannulation systems).
• Experience working with avian model systems.
• Experience mentoring or training students in technical methods.
• A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm for contributing to a new laboratory setup and culture, along with excellent organizational, communication, and record‑keeping skills.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and seasonal days.
• A retirement plan that provides two‑for‑one matching contributions with immediate vesting.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Long‑term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

In addition, the School of Liberal Arts offers:

• Strong commitment to work/life balance.
• Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs.
• Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses.

The salary range is $53,000 to $67,000. A higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate’s experience.

This is a 12‑month term‑limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is August 1, 2026; however, the start date can be flexible.

Questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at kosmiley.

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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