A detailed cover letter is required for consideration when applying for this position and should be uploaded via the UM Careers website as the first page(s) of a single, electronic document of application materials that also includes your CV or resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline your skills and experience that directly relate to the duties described below.

Questions about the position can be sent to the PI (Dr. Kristina Smiley) at kosmiley@umich.edu. 

The Research Technician will provide technical support for the Smiley Lab at the University of Michigan, which investigates the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying parental behavior. This position will play a key role in establishing and maintaining the laboratory's research infrastructure and supporting daily experimental operations. Responsibilities include assisting with the setup of laboratory systems and protocols, performing hormone assays (ELISA), immunohistochemistry, and tissue processing, maintaining animal colonies, supporting behavioral studies, and collecting and processing research data.

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.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

In addition, LSA offers:

• Strong commitment to work/life balance
• Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
• Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care  that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

• Provides routine to moderately complex technical support for a research facility: Assist with setting up and organizing the Smiley Lab's research infrastructure, including ordering and tracking laboratory equipment and supplies, maintaining detailed research records, writing experimental protocols, and contributing to the development of a comprehensive lab manual. Support daily laboratory operations and ensure compliance with university safety and animal care standards.
• Train and assist junior lab members (graduate and undergraduate students) in technical methods and experimental procedures.
• Collects, analyzes, and processes research data: Participate in data collection and management for ongoing projects related to hormonal regulation of parental behavior. Maintain accurate experimental records, assist with data entry, perform basic data analysis, and ensure data integrity and reproducibility.
• Performs a variety of tests, using both routine and special techniques and methods: Conduct laboratory assays such as ELISAs for hormone quantification, immunohistochemistry, tissue processing, and other molecular and histological methods. Assist in establishing and refining experimental protocols and contribute to quality control of lab procedures.
• Assists in report writing: Contribute to documentation of experimental results for presentations, reports, and publications. Help prepare figures, tables, and method descriptions as needed for manuscripts and grant submissions. 

• High school diploma or Associate's degree
• 1 year of research experience

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, biology, neuroscience, or another related field 
• Animal handling experience 
• Previous experience with hormone assays, molecular bench work, and/or animal behavioral assays 
• High levels of organization and attention to detail

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.

The salary range is $31,200 - $33,900. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience. Please note a higher salary may be offered based on equity and the selected candidate's experience.

This is a 12-month term-limited position with the possibility of renewal. The anticipated start date is January 2026.

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

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.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.