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

The University of Michigan Museum of Paleontology (UMMP) Invertebrate Division seeks a Research Lab Tech Lead to act as a Digitization and Collections Specialist. This position primarily supports a National Science Foundation-funded collaborative research grant focused on understanding and using Paleozoic echinoderms as a model system to explore evolutionary modes. As part of this project, the UMMP is mobilizing data related to Paleozoic echinoderms to share with the scientific and public communities. The incumbent will assist in data entry, database management and curation, imaging (2D and 3D), WikiProject management, curating data for public sharing, and hosting a Digitization Workshop for undergraduate students. The incumbent will be trained on tasks as needed in a manner that complements their current abilities. This project includes collaboration with a larger museum technician team and will involve supervising and mentoring undergraduate technicians.

The LSA Museum of Paleontology (UMMP) is a research museum dedicated to the study of paleontology. We take an interdisciplinary approach to research in our collections, facilities, and across the globe.  Find out more about us at https://lsa.umich.edu/paleontology/

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.

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.

The list of responsibilities below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work to be performed and are not an exhaustive list of all associated responsibilities:

• Data curation in relational database (Specify) related to specimen occurrence details (e.g., geologic time, rock units, taxonomy, georeferencing localities)
• Handling of fossil specimens and ensuring archival quality of materials
• Imaging of fossil specimens and post processing of images in Photoshop
• Producing 3D photogrammetric models of specimens 
• Migrating and updating metadata into the Digital Asset Management System (ResourceSpace) using R scripts 
• Curating and updating the project Wikidata Project page
• Collaboration with other scholars engaged on the NSF grant
• Mentorship and supervision of undergraduate student(s)
• Assist in logistical planning and development of a digitization workshop

Work Accommodations

A flexible work schedule can be accommodated as some of this work can be produced and conducted remotely. This will need to be discussed with the PI. Some work will be easier if done collaboratively with volunteers and other students and other work can be done independently. The incumbent will need to be comfortable with both situations. 

• Bachelor's degree in paleontology, geology, biology, museum studies, information science, or a closely related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3-5 years of experience in a curatorial or similarly relevant role
• Experience with data entry or curation in scientific or museum contexts.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle and work with museum/archival specimens (fossil, biological, or similar materials).
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Experience with relational databases, particularly Specify, or other natural history data management software.
• Experience with 3D photogrammetry or 3D modeling software.
• Experience mentoring or supervising students, volunteers, or staff in an academic or museum setting.
• Familiarity with NSF-funded project environments or collaborative grant-funded research teams.

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.

This is a part-time position at 65% effort.  This is a term-limited position scheduled to start in early April and to end July 31, 2026.  The salary range for this position is $42,600 to $53,250.

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.