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 Survey Research Center (SRC) at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) is an international leader in interdisciplinary social science research involving the collection and analysis of data, especially data from scientific sample surveys.  SRC conducts some of the most widely cited and influential studies in the world.  To maintain this status, we rely on the dedication and talents of our outstanding staff who provide complex administrative support for our research grants and projects. If you enjoy teamwork and collaboration, are accountable, flexible and positive, and seek a path leading to promotional opportunities, the Survey Research Center may be the right opportunity for you.

The Survey Research Center provides oversight for the ISR Biospecimen Lab (ISR-BSL) with the intent to facilitate researchers' efforts to incorporate genomic and other biological data into social science research.  The ISR Biospecimen Lab (ISR-BSL) mission is to provide capacity to receive, analyze, and store bio-specimens collected by a growing number of ISR research projects as well as for projects across campus and outside of the University of Michigan. The Biospecimen Lab operates under a Biological Safety Level 2 (BSL2) Certificate.  ISR-BSL staff members are certified to handle research laboratory processes and specimen shipping activities.   

We are looking to bring on a part-time research technician (60% time regular staff position; 24 hrs/wk base with flexibility for more hours) for one year with the possibility of renewal contingent on your satisfactory performance and conduct, the availability of work, and continued funding to support different aspects of work in the lab. Work will be conducted at the Institute for Social Research (ISR) Biospecimen Lab on University of Michigan main campus. The primary roles of this position will focus on construction of biospecimen collection kits and processing of biospecimens for frozen storage.  Duties require strong attention to detail and an ability to work well with others.

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 any eligible family members and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting upon meeting eligibility requirements
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

 Learn more about U-M benefits.

• Construction of biospecimen collection kits (75%) - A majority of the responsibility of this position is to construct and quality check the biospecimen collection kits used for various field research projects. The work includes use of sample management software and inventory processes. 
• Sample receipt and processing (20%) - The applicant will work in the biospecimen laboratory where biological samples received from the field will be received and processed then placed in frozen storage.  This work requires the applicant to successfully complete several on-line laboratory certification courses and make use of laboratory equipment.
• Lab meetings & communication of results (5%) - Our research team has a weekly lab meeting to discuss sample processing and future directions. The applicant will be expected to communicate results of their work to our group, send updates to our community and research partners.  There may be other duties assigned.

• High school diploma or Associate's degree and one year of experience.
• Willingness to work as part of a team.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in constructing biospecimen collection kits and processing samples.

• Prior experience in a laboratory setting handling, sample processing, or kit construction, is highly desirable.
• Experience with laboratory equipment and understanding of laboratory protocols and safety procedures.
• Experience using spreadsheets and statistical software.

This position is on-site at the University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research, Survey Research Center in Ann Arbor. The guidelines are 4 days in the office.

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 statements included in this description are intended to reflect the general nature and level of work assigned to this classification and should not be interpreted as all-inclusive.

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.

Institute for Social Research job openings are posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. 

The Institute for Social Research (ISR) at the University of Michigan seeks to create a community of respect and authentic collaboration by recruiting and retaining individuals that represent a variety of voices as a reflection of our commitment to serve the people of Michigan, to maintain the excellence of the university, and to ground our research in varied disciplines, perspectives, and ways of knowing and learning.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.