In addition to applying through careers.umich.edu, applicants should submit: (1) a cover letter of no more than two pages outlining interest in the position and relevant skills and experience; (2) a CV; (3) a portfolio of images and/or surface files of completed segmentations; and (4) contact information for three references to Matt Friedman (mfriedman@umich.edu) with the subject line "<last name> Application: Friedman NSF-Cichlids project." Informal inquires before applying are welcome. Individuals from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Review of applications will begin immediately until April 30, 2025.

The Friedman Lab in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the Museum of Paleontology at the University of Michigan seeks a technician to generate, curate, segment, and archive micro-CT data for extinct and extant cichlid fishes. The project is a collaboration between the University of Michigan, The American Museum of Natural History, and Middle Tennessee State University, funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, and with support from partners in several national and international institutions. The Michigan-based technician will lead in collecting, organizing, segmenting, and depositing micro-CT data for the project. Segmentation work will emphasize fossil specimens, and the technician will also aid in preparing modern preserved specimens for scanning. 

The technician will work with PIs Friedman (UM Museum of Paleontology), Lopez-Fernandez (UM Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Zoology), and Stiassny (AMNH). The technician will work in close coordination with a UM postdoc to help manage data curation and accessibility needs for all project participants following the project's Data Management Plan. If desired, the technician will have opportunities to participate in museum-based outreach activities in coordination with the PIs, UM postdoc, and the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History. 

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.

The successful technician will work in-person in Ann Arbor at the Biological Sciences Building and Research Museums Center and will be responsible for: 

• (5% effort) - gathering micro-CT data for specimens; 
• (5% effort) - preparing modern specimens for scanning; 
• (70% effort) - segmenting scan data, emphasizing paleontological material; 
• (10% effort) - producing high-quality images and animations based on segmented micro-CT data; 
• (10% effort) - working with the project postdoc on data curation. 

• The position requires a Bachelor's degree with courses in biology, zoology, paleontology, or a related field. 
• One to two years of relevant experience (e.g., working in a lab for one of the above disciplines) preferred.
• The candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Experience with one or more CT segmentation platforms (e.g., Mimics, Dragonfly, Aviso, etc.) and familiarity with online data repositories (e.g., MorphoSource) is essential. 
• Familiarity with operating lab-based micro-CT scanners and software for generating high-quality images based on scan data (e.g., Blender) is desired but not essential; training opportunities will be available. 

There is no prerequisite that the candidate has previous experience working with fossils or fishes, although both are desired qualifications.

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 position comes with a salary range of $35,000 to $41,400.  A higher salary may be possible for well qualified candidates. This is a one (1) year term limited position with possibility of renewal based on availability of work, availability of funding and overall satisfactory performance

The technician will be based in the Museum of Paleontology at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

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.