Research Laboratory Specialist Associate

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How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of the resume. The cover letter should address your interest in the position and related experience. Please submit your cover letter with contract information for three references and resume as one document (due to system limitations).

Job Summary

The Department of Environmental Health Sciences in the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan has a position opening for a Research Laboratory Specialist Associate. This is a one-year term appointment, expected to continue based on funding availability. This will be an in-person position. The Manz Lab investigates chemical transformation in the environment, develops remediation technologies to minimize pollutant exposure, and uses advanced analytical chemistry to detect previously unidentified environmental exposures in humans and environmental systems.

The Manz Lab is seeking a full-time Research Laboratory Specialist Associate to support research on environmental exposures and environmental chemistry, with an emphasis on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. The primary responsibility of the position will be the technical execution and support of PFAS-focused analytical chemistry workflows, including sample preparation, LC-MS analysis, standards management, QA/QC, instrument maintenance, method development, and analytical data organization.

Responsibilities*

• Daily support of LC-MS/PFAS wet laboratory operations, including PFAS sample preparation, LC-MS analysis, calibration standard management, instrument maintenance, method development, data collection for research projects, and analytical data organization.
• Preparing and maintaining PFAS stock solutions, internal standards, and calibration standards; performing routine contamination checks and QA/QC procedures; processing biological and environmental samples; collecting, organizing, and documenting data and information for research projects.
• Maintaining LC-MS run logs and maintenance records; performing weekly and monthly mass spec cleanings and calibrations; coordinating instrument scheduling, service requests, and annual preventative maintenance; optimizing and testing analytical methods; and assisting with chemical inventory and laboratory supply management.
• The Research Laboratory Specialist Associate will also develop and maintain a LC-MS Canvas-based training module for new lab members and LC users, including instructional materials, standard operating procedures, safety guidance, and instrument-use expectations.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in related field required and 1-3 years of experience working in research laboratories. Master's Degree in chemistry or biological sciences preferred.
• Experience with liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to work independently and in a team environment is imperative.

Desired Qualifications*

Advanced skills to assist with organizing analytical results and preparing technical summaries, figures, tables, methods documentation, and QA/QC information for research reports, presentations, and manuscripts.

Modes of Work

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 EHS position will be in-person, which is essential for hand-on research activities and effective management of lab equipment.

Additional Information

The position will support method development for detecting additional environmental chemicals, improving analytical sensitivity and reliability, and troubleshooting sample preparation, instrument, or data processing workflows to improve method performance. Additional duties include assembling, testing, calibrating, cleaning, maintaining, or making minor repairs to laboratory equipment. Training will be provided in LC-MS operation and maintenance, sample preparation, data processing, quality control, and method optimization. Areas of interest include environmental exposure assessment, analytical chemistry, exposomics, metabolomics, and environmental remediation.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.