Research Lab Technician Lead - Baucom Lab

Job Summary

A Research Lab Technician Lead position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Regina Baucom in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. The Baucom Lab studies evolutionary ecology and genetics, typically using plant weeds as models. The successful candidate will have access to a vibrant intellectual community and state-of-the-art facilities in the new Biological Sciences Building at Michigan.

This position combines responsibilities between complementary grant-funded projects: the NSF EDGE grant, which develops genetic and genomic tools for Ipomoea, and the Meet the Moment (MtM) grant, which studies how plant-pollinator interactions respond to agricultural manipulations. The Research Lab Tech Lead will independently manage priorities and workflows across both projects concurrently, taking on a higher level of independent responsibility than an entry-level lab position.

Core duties include finishing the organization of an important lab seed resource collection, large-scale DNA extraction, genomic library preparation, and bioinformatics analysis and pipeline development for genotyping generated sequence data. Some travel to Athens, GA (University of Georgia) may be expected to support collaborative work with partnering labs. The anticipated start date is fall 2026.

The lab is part of the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, MI. Lab members study plant adaptation through the lens of evolutionary ecology and genetics, typically using plant weeds/invasives as models. Current research themes include the maintenance of variation in invasive plant species, the genetic basis of adaptation to strong agents of selection, and rapid adaptation to global change using resurrection populations.

Baucom is committed to thoughtful, inclusive mentoring practices and regularly engages in culturally aware mentorship training.

• Finish organizing and maintaining an important lab seed resource collection, ensuring accurate records and accessibility for ongoing and future projects. (10%)
• Perform DNA extraction from hundreds of samples, maintaining high throughput and data quality. (20%)
• Troubleshoot and optimize large-scale genomic library preparation, identifying and resolving technical issues independently. (15%)
• Perform bioinformatics analysis of large-scale genomic sequence data, including developing and troubleshooting computational pipelines for genotyping and library-preparation output; this requires programming/scripting proficiency (e.g., R or Python) not currently held by other lab personnel and is essential to converting wet-lab output into usable genomic datasets. (15%)
• Manage day-to-day lab operations, including ordering and maintaining supplies, equipment, and reagents, and ensuring lab protocols and safety standards are followed. (10%)
• Lead field work for the MtM grant (e.g., planting, sampling, data collection), assuming full responsibility for field data collection previously carried out by a Research Lab Tech Lead. (20%)
• Train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate researchers, serving as a primary point of guidance for day-to-day lab and field techniques across both projects. (10%)

Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, plant science, or a related field, with approximately 2-3 years of relevant laboratory/technical experience;
Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA extraction) and with bioinformatics/computational analysis of sequence data (e.g., scripting in R or Python for genotyping pipelines). Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to independently manage priorities across multiple concurrent, distinct grant-funded projects.

Experience with genomic library preparation, large-scale sample processing, and basic data analysis. Prior experience supervising, training, or mentoring undergraduate researchers.

This is a six month term limited position with possibility of renewal. Preference will be given to applicants who can start the beginning of fall 2026.

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