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 Clowney Lab studies the developmental mechanisms that pattern neuronal connectivity in chemosensory systems, using Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. In one of our projects, we study how neurons in the learning system obtain inputs during development. One part of this ongoing project is to understand how neurons coming from different sensory systems (in this case, olfactory versus visual systems) are kept separate as they wire into the learning system. The lab seeks a technician to contribute experimentally to this direction, with focus on genetics, histology, and imaging.

The Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) conducts basic research about the function of all branches of life - bacteria, plants, and animals. The research portfolio includes more than 40 sponsored awards, amounting to more than $8 million. We are also home to the more 300 students each year who graduate with majors in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology; plant biology; biology, health and society; and microbiology.

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.

Duties of the position include:

• Lab management including ordering, inventory, lab safety, and equipment maintenance (15% effort)
• Methods development, Following existing experiment methods from literature and peers, assessing their effectiveness, and troubleshooting for improved outcomes (35% effort)
• Experiments as follows (50% effort):
  • Generation of transgenic or mutant Drosophila alleles through cloning and plasmid construction
  • Drosophila husbandry and genetics
  • Fly brain dissection, staining, and imaging
  • Generation of large animal cohorts for molecular biology experiments
  • Design of RNA HCR strategies
  • Histology
  • Confocal and two-photon microscopy
  • Analysis and follow-up of histological data
     

• Knowledge of Drosophila genetics, neuroscience, and development
• High school Diploma or associates degree and 1-2 years experience
   

• Bachelor degree in genetics, neuroscience, development, or molecular biology
• Significant expertise in Drosophila genetics and husbandry
• Experience performing histology for RNA, proteins, and both at once
• Experience using image analysis software including ImageJ/FIJI and Imaris
• Ability to problem-solve
• Ability to work with a team of researchers with varied backgrounds, training levels, and interests
   

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 one year term-limited position. There is a possibility of renewal depending upon performance and funding.
 

As one of the worlds 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 LSAs 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.