Research Lab Tech Senior - Couper Lab

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

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 Couper Lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan is seeking a Research Lab Tech Senior. The lab focuses on global change and the ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. You can find more information on the Couper Lab here .
The candidate will support a variety of new projects related to vector-borne disease ecology with two particular foci: (1) identifying impacts of nighttime warming on mosquito survival, and (2) characterizing the emergence of Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases in the Midwestern U.S. Work on these projects will involve a mix of laboratory rearing and experimentation on mosquitoes, local field sampling of ticks and mosquitoes, geospatial analysis to identify field sites, microscopy, molecular lab work (e.g., DNA extraction, PCR), statistical analysis of experimental and field data, and general support of lab operations.

There is the opportunity to contribute to manuscript preparation and authoring, and conference attendance and presentations. The candidate will be fully integrated into the lab and participate in lab meetings, outreach, and project discussions, and support other research projects occurring in the lab. As this is a brand new lab, the candidate will also have a role in establishing lab culture, expectations, and processes.

The primary job responsibilities include:

• Maintaining the mosquito insectary (note that no arm feeding will be conducted) (20%)
• Conducting experiments characterizing mosquito responses to various thermal regimes (15%)
• Establishing local field sites for vector surveillance and conducting tick and mosquito collections (15%)
• Microscopy and molecular lab work to identify and test vectors for pathogens (5%)
• Supporting other research projects in the lab as needed (10%)
• General support of lab operations (e.g., ordering supplies, cleaning equipment, coordinating travel) (10%)
• Data analysis and writing (10%)
• Participation in lab meetings and project discussions (10%)
• Attending conferences and other outreach events (5%)

The ideal candidate will have 1 to 2 years of experience and hold a bachelor's degree in a natural science discipline such as ecology and evolution, environmental science, or biology, plus the ability to translate, adapt, and apply this knowledge. One to two years of experience in academic research is preferred. This can include conducting an honors thesis, supporting graduate student research, serving as a lab tech in another lab, and related activities.

Experience with field surveillance of ticks and/or mosquitoes, laboratory-based experimentation, microscopy, and molecular lab work is preferred but not required. Similarly, knowledge of vector biology and infectious disease ecology is preferred but not required. The ability to work effectively both independently and in teams is required, as are strong organizational, interpersonal, and communication (written and oral) skills.

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 full-time (40 hours/week) position. Work will be conducted in the lab and in the field (i.e., no remote work outside of when reasonable accommodations are needed). This position is one-year term-limited with possibility of renewal based on performance and availability of work and funding.

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…