Research Laboratory Tech Assoc - Tai Lab

Questions about the position may be directed to Professor Tai at jstai

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 Tai Lab in the Department of Biophysics at the University of Michigan is seeking a Research Laboratory Technician Associate to join our new interdisciplinary research group, launching in January 2027.

Our lab investigates how bacterial cells build complex, resilient communities-biofilms-that play important roles in health and industry. We aim to understand how these communities develop, function, and evolve by bringing together perspectives from biology, physics, ecology and evolution, and engineering. Our approaches include quantitative single-cell imaging, microfluidics, bacterial genetics, systems biology, and computational modeling.

The successful candidate will participate directly in research projects while contributing to the establishment and day-to-day operation of the laboratory. Working closely with the principal investigator and other lab members, the candidate will receive training in relevant experimental and analytical methods and develop increasing independence as their skills grow. As an early member of the lab, the candidate will have opportunities to contribute to its research directions and collaborative culture.

This position is well suited to candidates with prior research experience, as well as recent graduates seeking additional research experience, including those considering graduate training. We welcome applicants who bring new perspectives and an enthusiasm for working across disciplines.

• Bacterial culture and assays:
  Grow and maintain bacterial cultures and perform biofilm growth assays.
• Molecular biology:
  Perform PCR, DNA cloning, and bacterial strain construction and verification, with appropriate training and supervision.
• Microscopy and data analysis:
  Assist with fluorescence imaging and microfluidic experiments, analyze images and experimental data, and maintain accurate research records.
• Laboratory support:
  Prepare media and reagents, maintain strain and supply inventories, and assist with routine equipment upkeep and safe laboratory operations.
• Research participation:
  Discuss results at lab meetings and contribute to presentations and publications as appropriate.

• High school diploma or associate's degree
• 1 year of experience in a research lab
• Strong organizational and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow protocols and maintain accurate records.
• Willingness to learn new techniques, work collaboratively, and follow laboratory safety procedures.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biophysics, microbiology, physics, chemistry, engineering, or a related field by the start date.
• Previous laboratory experience through undergraduate research, internships, employment, or research-focused coursework.
• Familiarity with one or more relevant methods, such as bacterial culture, aseptic technique, molecular cloning, fluorescence microscopy, plate-based assays, or microfluidics.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis, image analysis, or programming, using tools such as ImageJ/Fiji, MATLAB, or Python.
• Experience reading scientific literature and communicating scientific findings through writing, figures, or presentations.

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 .

This is a one (1) year limited position with the possibility of renewal based on availability of work, availability of funding, and overall satisfactory performance

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.

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