Research Lab Specialist, Molecular Biogeochemistry, Kharbush Lab

We are performing updates and maintenance to our applicant experience. As a result, the site will be unavailable Saturday, October 31st at 9pm EST through Sunday, November 1st at 8:00am EST. During this outage period, applications for job postings can not be submitted.

EARTH is a diverse and vibrant intellectual community dedicated to excellence through research and teaching. The unit is home to approximately 40 faculty and 25 regular administrative and lab staff, 160 undergraduate majors and 70 graduate students. The mission of the department is to promote education and scientific discovery about our planet. We welcome all who are curious about the EARTH and we strive to create an environment that is accessible and supportive to everyone.

Find more about the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences here .

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.

The Microbial Biogeochemistry Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan is seeking a full-time laboratory technician to manage research projects in molecular biogeochemistry, including the study of nitrogen-containing biomarkers via compound-specific isotope analysis.

Primary responsibilities will include the preparation and analysis of water, sediment, and culture samples in the lab; independently running, maintaining, and troubleshooting instrumentation; and scientific data entry, processing, and visualization. Instrumentation includes our gas chromatography isotope ratio mass spectrometer (GC-IRMS), a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), a SEAL nutrient analyzer, and a membrane inlet mass spectrometer (MIMS).

The successful candidate will independently manage projects and advise on research group projects, and will collaborate on conceptual project design, experimental approaches, methods development, as well as assist with publications and proposals. The candidate should exhibit a willingness to learn and develop new methods and techniques, as well as instruct students and other lab users in best practices for stable isotope applications in microbial ecology and biogeochemistry.

The technician is responsible for instructing on safety in the lab and maintaining compliance with SOPs. Candidates should also have excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a full benefits package.

• B.S./B.A. degree in engineering, geochemistry, geoscience, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Intermediate level candidates will have 4-5 years of experience in addition to their education
• Associate level candidates will have 1-3 years of experience in addition to their education
• At least 2 years lab experience in the operation and/or maintenance of modern instruments for quantitative chemical, isotopic, and/or geological analysis.
• Familiarity with common software and platforms (e.g., MSWord, Excel, Adobe)

• MS degree/Ph.D. in engineering, geochemistry, geoscience, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of any of the following: elemental analyzer, isotope ratio mass spectrometer coupled to multiple peripheral systems (such as elemental analyzer, trace gas concentrator, gas chromatograph), mass spectrometers, liquid chromatography, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, SEAL nutrient analyzer, MIMS
• Research experience with stable isotope applications
• Record of scholarly research and/or collaboration in engineering, geochemistry, analytical chemistry, physics, or a related field

We are so proud that the University of Michigan offers comprehensive benefits to support your wellness as you plan for a stable and secure future. To enhance a career filled with purpose and opportunity, other benefits include:

• Generous time off programs.
• Our retirement plan provides two-for-one matching contributions.
• Comprehensive options for health, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Tuition…