Entry Level Ecologist Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

How to Apply
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.
Mission Statement
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.
Job Summary
A Research Lab Technician Lead position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Regina Baucom in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. The Baucom Lab studies evolutionary ecology and genetics, typically using plant weeds as models. The successful candidate will have access to a vibrant intellectual community and state-of-the-art facilities in the new Biological Sciences Building at Michigan.
This position combines responsibilities between complementary grant-funded projects: the NSF EDGE grant, which develops genetic and genomic tools for Ipomoea, and the Meet the Moment (MtM) grant, which studies how plant-pollinator interactions respond to agricultural manipulations. The Research Lab Tech Lead will independently manage priorities and workflows across both projects concurrently, taking on a higher level of independent responsibility than an entry-level lab position. Core duties include finishing the organization of an important lab seed resource collection, large-scale DNA extraction, genomic library preparation, and bioinformatics analysis and pipeline development for genotyping generated sequence data. Some travel to Athens, GA (University of Georgia) may be expected to support collaborative work with partnering labs. The anticipated start date is fall 2026.
The lab is part of the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, MI. Lab members study plant adaptation through the lens of evolutionary ecology and genetics, typically using plant weeds/invasives as models. Current research themes include the maintenance of variation in invasive plant species, the genetic basis of adaptation to strong agents of selection, and rapid adaptation to global change using resurrection populations. Baucom is committed to thoughtful, inclusive mentoring practices and regularly engages in culturally aware mentorship training.
Responsibilities*

• Finish organizing and maintaining an important lab seed resource collection, ensuring accurate records and accessibility for ongoing and future projects. (10%)
• Perform DNA extraction from hundreds of samples, maintaining high throughput and data quality. (20%)
• Troubleshoot and optimize large-scale genomic library preparation, identifying and resolving technical issues independently. (15%)
• Perform bioinformatics analysis of large-scale genomic sequence data, including developing and troubleshooting computational pipelines for genotyping and library-preparation output; this requires programming/scripting proficiency (e.g., R or Python) not currently held by other lab personnel and is essential to converting wet-lab output into usable genomic datasets. (15%)
• Manage day-to-day lab operations, including ordering and maintaining supplies, equipment, and reagents, and ensuring lab protocols and safety standards are followed. (10%)
• Lead field work for the MtM grant (e.g., planting, sampling, data collection), assuming full responsibility for field data collection previously carried out by a Research Lab Tech Lead. (20%)
• Train, supervise, and mentor undergraduate researchers, serving as a primary point of guidance for day-to-day lab and field techniques across both projects. (10%)

Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, plant science, or a related field, with approximately 2-3 years of relevant laboratory/technical experience; Demonstrated experience with molecular biology techniques (e.g., DNA extraction) and with bioinformatics/computational analysis of sequence data (e.g., scripting in R or Python for genotyping pipelines). Strong organizational skills and demonstrated ability to independently manage priorities across multiple concurrent, distinct grant-funded projects.
Desired Qualifications*
Experience with genomic library preparation, large-scale sample processing, and basic data analysis. Prior experience supervising, training, or mentoring undergraduate researchers.
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 .
Additional Information
This is a six month term limited position with possibility of renewal. Preference will be given to applicants who can start the beginning of fall 2026.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences 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 LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision .
Background Screening
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.
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.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281304
Working Title
Research Lab Technician Lead - Baucom Lab
Job Title
Research Lab Technician Lead
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
College Of Lsa
Department
LSA Ecology & Evolutionary Bio
Posting Begin/End Date
8/06/2026 - 8/13/2026
Salary
$42,000.00 - $52,500.00
Career Interest
Research