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.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

The Michigan Neuroscience Institute was established in 1955 to bring together investigators from across the University of Michigan campus to probe the mysteries of the brain on a cellular, molecular and behavioral level. its 140 faculty and affiliate members seek to understand the function and dysfunction of the human brain.

Under the general direction of faculty and/or senior research personnel, the Research Laboratory Specialist Associate will support the operation of a neuroscience research laboratory focused on Drosophila melanogaster as a model to study behavior, genetics, and neural circuits. Research topics include sleep regulation, memory, social behavior, and their underlying genetic and neural mechanisms.
The successful candidate will contribute to the design and execution of experiments investigating sleep and behavioral phenotypes using high-throughput, automated platforms such as the Ethoscope and LabGym. They will participate in formulating research methods and experimental designs, analyze complex behavioral and imaging datasets, and suggest improvements in protocols and computational pipelines.
Responsibilities include:

• Independently conducting behavioral assays related to sleep, memory, and social interactions in Drosophila.
• Employing and optimizing computational tools (e.g., Ethoscope, LabGym) for automated behavioral tracking and classification.
• Supporting genetic and circuit manipulation experiments using GAL4/UAS, CRISPR, and thermogenetic/optogenetic tools.
• Performing data analysis and generating figures for publications and presentations.
• Assisting in manuscript preparation and contributing to experimental design discussions.
• Training new lab members in behavioral and genetic techniques.
• Maintaining lab equipment, organizing data records, and ensuring compliance with safety and research protocols.
• Contributing to lab meetings and collaborative projects across disciplines.

Bachelor's degree and 1 year of experience with demonstrated proficiency in Drosophila genetics and behavioral neuroscience or a combination of education and experience. 

Experience with automated behavioral tracking, data analysis in Python or R, and circuit-level manipulations is highly desirable.

Employees in this classification are expected to work independently, evaluate experimental approaches, and make decisions that significantly impact research outcomes. This role requires initiative, analytical skill, and the ability to troubleshoot complex experimental systems.

Master's degree preferred

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.

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.

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.