A temporary technician position (up to 40h/week) from May 1st – August 31, 2014, with possible extension until August 31, 2015, is available in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Dept at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI, with core conceptual focus on linking ecosystem level process measurements to sequencing-based analysis of bacterial community composition, metabolic potential (metagenomics) and activity (assess through metatranscriptomics). A particular focus of the lab is on the impact of invasive dreissenid mussels on the microbial food web, and how these impacts affect carbon cycling by benthic and pelagic bacteria and archaea. Immediate responsibilities will include: setup and maintenance of experimental mesocosms, assistance in boat-based sampling operations on Michigan inland lakes, potentially on the Great Lakes as well; specialized methods for environmental microbiology (ideal candidate has experience with fluorescent microscopy (CARD-FISH), DNA/RNA extractions, 16S and metagenome library prep, qPCR, field-based water filtration, leucine incorporation assays, 13C stable isotope analysis, and net ecosystem production measurements); General lab maintenance and safety-ordering, inventory, organization, and glassware; Supervise the day-to-day activities of temporary hourly and undergraduate students in the lab, in support of ongoing experiments. The candidate should have a BA or BS in biology, microbiology, or environmental science with previous experience performing research in a wet lab, the ability to work well in a group, and the willingness to supervise undergraduates. Technician will work in the Denef (http://www-personal.umich.edu/~vdenef/index.htm) lab. Candidates can apply to this position by emailing Vincent ([email protected]) with their CV and cover letter attached. Review of applications will begin April 2014 and continue until a suitable candidate is found. Salary is commensurate with experience. The position is available for 4 months as a temporary position (no benefits included) with potential extension for 1 additional year as a full-time position with benefits. The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity employer.
