Development and Evolution in Insects (DEI) Lab Technician / Green Lab

The University of Michigan's Green DEI Lab is hiring a full-time research technician to support studies on monarch butterfly migration. Responsibilities include butterfly husbandry, field expeditions, lab management, and public outreach. The position requires a biology-related degree and lab experience. It is based onsite in Ann Arbor, MI, with potential travel to field sites. This is a one-year position with possible renewal.
About the position

The Green DEI Lab at the University of Michigan, part of the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Department, is seeking a full-time research technician to support ongoing research activities focused on the genetic and environmental basis of monarch butterfly migration. This position will primarily involve butterfly and host plant husbandry, requiring the technician to work onsite at the Biological Sciences Building and in greenhouses at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, MI. The role may also necessitate travel to various field sites for butterfly collection and associated experiments, which could include local, domestic, and potentially international locations. In addition to husbandry tasks, the technician will contribute to public outreach initiatives, assisting in the preparation of demonstration materials and possibly engaging in public demonstrations. The lab is committed to maintaining high standards of research and compliance with laboratory protocols, ensuring the health and welfare of butterfly colonies and milkweed lines. The technician will be responsible for organizing care schedules, maintaining detailed records of husbandry activities, and participating in cleaning and maintenance of lab equipment. The position is designed for individuals with a strong background in biology, molecular biology, or genetics, and requires keen attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills. The technician will also assist in lab management tasks, including ordering supplies, overseeing safety protocols, and supporting research activities such as data analysis and figure preparation for publication. This is a one-year limited position with the possibility of renewal based on funding and performance review.

Responsibilities
• Manage the maintenance of the health and welfare of the lab's butterfly colonies and milkweed lines at all sites.
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• Ensure compliance with laboratory protocols by lab members.
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• Organize weekly schedules of lab member care duties.
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• Maintain robust pest management practices and monitor compliance with laboratory protocols and standards by lab members.
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• Keep detailed records of husbandry activities, including maintaining resource logs and databases.
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• Participate in cleaning and maintenance of equipment such as butterfly cages and chambers.
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• Assist in field expeditions for butterfly collections at local, domestic, and potentially international sites.
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• Order research and laboratory supplies and maintain appropriate databases.
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• Act as a primary resource for space safety management.
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• Oversee lab members in basic lab maintenance tasks and lab safety.
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• Assist with collection permit preparation and adherence.
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• Assist in analysis of results and preparation of figures for publication/presentation.
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• Aid in lab public outreach efforts.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, genetics, or related fields.
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• 1 year of research laboratory experience.
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• Keen attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills.
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• Ability to function on a team as well as to execute tasks independently.

Nice-to-haves

Benefits
• Generous time off
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• A retirement plan with two-for-one matching contributions and immediate vesting
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• Comprehensive health insurance options
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• Life insurance
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• Long-term disability coverage
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• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses