Job Description

Job Summary
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.

Required Qualifications*
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)
Desired Qualifications*
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