How to Apply

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter detailing their specific interest in the position, CV and contact information for three references.

Job Summary

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is seeking a Research Lab Specialist Intermediate working under Dr. Rose Cory to serve as the operational lead in the day-to-day decisions in research, including the maintenance and calibration of instruments, independent decision-making with regard to courses of action pending data results, coordination of and compliance with safety requirements, and advising on aquatic geochemistry and environmental science across several labs. This person will serve as the lab safety officer (30% effort) and support documenting processes for labs (e.g., creating protocols). The incumbent will help prep instruments and other necessary instructional materials for shared spaces.

Supervision Exercised

This position provides functional supervision for undergraduate and graduate students, fellow staff, and temporary employees. They are also responsible for managing spaces in which chemicals are used for geochemistry, etc., such as classrooms. This position makes managerial decisions in response to evolving needs, hazardous conditions, and other unexpected situations. The incumbent will work closely with the department's Chief Administrator to make best practice recommendations to adopt in other labs.

Mission Statement

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.

Why Work at Michigan?

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 support, including the ability to take undergraduate courses in LSA at no cost.
Meeting-free days and communication norms that help you to 'unplug' from work.
Access to deals, discounts, and attractions; see Uniquely Michigan for details.

While you will primarily work from our central campus in Ann Arbor, LSA offers flexible work options. To support work-life balance, LSA has an email policy that limits non-essential emails to weekday business hours. We invite you to take a look at LSA's mission, vision, and values.

Responsibilities*

Research Duties/Laboratory Management (60%)

Manage and implement lab safety by developing protocols, forms and research plans
Field Planning Team Member - independently acts as a key member of the field planning team, working with faculty to advise on achieving strategic goals geared around lab equipment
Maintain critical laboratory instruments
Manage, organize, and oversee lab safety training and compliance, including coordinating with relevant units (EHS, LSA Facilities, etc.)
Manage instrument maintenance and troubleshooting, documenting issues and prescribing solutions as they arise
Oversee day-to-day operation of the lab activities directly related to instruction
Troubleshoot, calibrate and perform routine maintenance on instruments
Assess suitability of methods for soils, waters, plant or mineral samples
Inventory consumables and instruments, including establishing check-in/check-out system and safe storage
Supervise and train undergraduate and graduate students in the laboratory
Train GSI's for EES lab courses, including gear and inventory for field work, and training on specific laboratory techniques in preparation for teaching students

Lab Safety Monitoring (30%)

Ensure all assigned self-safety inspections are completed (and with no issues)
Create an anonymous form to report unsafe conditions that can be investigate; follows up and resolves concerns identified in such reports by engaging relevant people/units, including department administration
Review and improve the Chemical Hygiene Plan
Provide input to supervisors/PI's on areas of improvement
Serve as department technical lead for Building Incident Response Team
Improve training to ensure all lab members are setup for success in workplace safety
Coordinate quarterly safety training
Oversee the safety activities of all labs, including:
Perform safety audit
Liaise between all lab managers and Environmental Health Safety to ensure lab safety
Ensure knowledge of SDS contents for all lab members
Maintain chemical inventory, including both ordering and auditing contents
Complete trainings and designs relevant additional safety curriculum that can be offered to other labs.
Establish regular communication with all labs and department administration about safety measures and information
Coordinate safety training for undergraduates working in labs as part of the department's UROP or SURE programs

Management and Documentation (10%)

Create template lab handbook
Convene meetings of technical staff
Establish norms for shared spaces (e.g., classrooms, lab spaces) to protect against loss
Maintain lab management plans, ensure lab compliance with department incentive programs (e.g., SURE)
Coordinate with PI and/or department's Chief Administrator to raise concerns and propose remedies for fostering a supportive environment for technical staff

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's Degree in a natural science discipline, such as earth science, chemistry or environmental sciences
Ability to translate, adapt and apply knowledge
Minimum of 4-5 years of lab experience in environmental sciences
Experience in operating and coordinating research with minimal supervision
Experience in supervision/management, including of undergraduates or temporary employees
Experience in developing and implementing lab and field safety protocols

Desired Qualifications*

Master's Degree in a natural science discipline, such as earth science, chemistry or environmental sciences

Modes of Work

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.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, 12-month term-limited position with a possibility of renewal based on the availability of funding, the availability of work, and overall successful performance.

As one of the world's great liberal arts 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.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.