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.

NOTE: This position will be a two (2) year term-limited appointment. 

The Ye Laboratory at the Life Sciences Institute is looking for a research technician to join our neuroscience team to help identify genes involved in dendritic and postsynaptic development in Drosophila neurons, using a combination of morphological and genetic approaches. You will be responsible for maintaining Drosophila strains, setting up genetic crosses, dissecting embryos and larvae, and performing morphological analyses using confocal microscopy and 3D morphometric techniques.  You will be required to have attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and a willingness to learn new techniques. You will work fully on-site and report directly to Dr. Ye.

The Life Sciences Institute explores biological processes, structures, and functions at the finest scale to create impact on a global scale.

For a summary of the Ye lab: https://www.lsi.umich.edu/science/our-labs/ye-lab

Experimental job responsibilities will include:

• Drosophila genetic experiments: Maintain Drosophila stocks, set up genetic crosses, and build Drosophila stocks.
• Morphological studies of Drosophila neurons: Dissect Drosophila embryos and larvae, perform immunostaining and fluorescence in situ hybridization, perform confocal imaging, analyze neuronal morphology and molecule distributions in cells.
• Molecular studies of neuronal development in Drosophila: Prepare tissue samples, extract RNA for real-time PCR and RNA sequencing, perform bioinformatic analysis of RNA sequencing data.

Non-experimental job responsibilities will include:

• Lab Maintenance: Share responsibilities in maintaining laboratory equipment, preparing common solutions and reagents, and ensuring proper documentation of experimental protocols.
• Collaboration: Work with postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, technicians, undergraduate students, and principal investigators to support ongoing experiments and troubleshoot protocols.

• High school diploma or associate's degree
• One (1) year of experience working with Drosophila
• One (1) year of experience dissecting Drosophila embryos and larvae
• One (1) year of experience in confocal microscopy
• Knowledge of neuroscience
• Maintain accurate records and communicate results effectively

• Bachelor of Science degree
• Six (6) months of previous experience in molecular techniques, such as RNA extraction and isolation and bulk RNAseq.
• Six (6) months of previous experience with bioinformatics tools for RNA-sequencing analysis

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.

Benefits at the University of Michigan:

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 your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

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.

All applications for this position must be received by 11:59p July 8th.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.