What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Lab Tech Intermediate (Underfill Associate) - Term Limited position at University of Michigan?
Job Summary
A Research Technician position is available in a neuroscience research laboratory. The successful candidate will support ongoing research projects by assisting with mouse colony management, brain tissue preparation, and general laboratory operations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal Investigator, research fellows, including postdoctoral fellows and graduate students. This position is ideal for a motivated individual with a background in biology, neuroscience, or a related field who is interested in gaining hands-on research experience in an academic laboratory setting. This is a term limited position with the possibility of renewal based on funding and lab needs.
Work Environment
The position involves work in both laboratory and animal facility settings. The successful candidate will be expected to complete required training and follow all institutional safety, animal care, and research compliance policies.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is responsible, detail-oriented, eager to learn, comfortable working with mice, and interested in building research experience in a neuroscience laboratory.
Responsibilities*
- Assist with mouse colony management, including breeding setup, weaning, ear tagging, and maintaining accurate colony records.
- Perform routine mouse handling and assist with animal-related procedures under supervision and in compliance with institutional animal care guidelines.
- Assist with brain tissue preparation, including perfusion, dissection, fixation, embedding, sectioning, and sample storage.
- Support histological and immunostaining procedures as needed.
- Maintain organized records of animals, tissue samples, reagents, and experimental procedures.
- Help with general laboratory maintenance, including preparing solutions, organizing supplies, cleaning work areas, and supporting equipment maintenance.
- Work collaboratively with the principal investigator, postdoctoral fellows, students, and other lab members to support research activities.
Required Qualifications*
Research Lab Tech Intermediate level:
- Bachelor's degree in biology, neuroscience, animal science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 1-3 years of experience.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to follow protocols carefully and maintain accurate records.
- Good communication skills, reliability, and professionalism.
Research Lab Tech Associate level:
- Associate's degree in biology, neuroscience, animal science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 0-1 year of experience.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to follow protocols carefully and maintain accurate records.
- Good communication skills, reliability, and professionalism.
Desired Qualifications*
- Prior experience with mouse handling, mouse colony management, or animal-based research.
- Experience with brain tissue preparation, histology, immunohistochemistry, cryo-sectioning, or vibratome sectioning.
- Interest in neuroscience, auditory neuroscience, developmental neuroscience, or related biomedical research areas.
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.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Additional Information
This is a term-limited appointment. At the end of the term, the appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction in Force (RIF) Benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time, as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
279744
Working Title
Research Lab Tech Intermediate (Underfill Associate) - Term Limited
Job Title
Research Lab Tech Intermediate
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Kresge Hearing Research Ins
Posting Begin/End Date
7/23/2026 - 9/07/2026
Career Interest
Research
Benefits:
Health Insurance, Vacation & Paid Time Off, Dental Insurance