Research Area Specialist Intermediate - Rabosky Lab

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

This position supports a funded research project within the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (UMMZ), Division of Reptiles & Amphibians, focused on accessioning, digitizing, and integrating a large, recently acquired collection of preserved snake specimens (the Arnold-Houck acquisition; >50,000 specimens).

The primary function of the role is to ensure that specimens and associated data are accurately accessioned into the museum's central collections database and are available for downstream research applications, including evolutionary and genomic analyses. The position combines collections management, data curation, and technical imaging support.

The technician will work under the general supervision of the Principal Investigator and collections staff but is expected to operate with substantial independence in executing established workflows, managing day-to-day priorities, and maintaining data quality standards.

Responsibilities*

• Accession ~25,000 reptile and amphibian specimens into the UMMZ collections, including sorting, labeling, and physical integration into existing holdings
• Digitize specimen-associated data from field notes and archival materials (including high-volume transcription and data entry)
• Perform georeferencing of specimen localities using standard biodiversity informatics protocols
• Conduct data validation and quality control to ensure accuracy, consistency, and reproducibility of records
• Manage and curate associated ecological and biological metadata (e.g., prey records, habitat, behavior)
• Maintain and update records within museum database systems (e.g., Specify or similar platforms)
• Supervise and coordinate undergraduate student assistants contributing to digitization and accessioning workflows
• Assist with selection, preparation, and tracking of specimens for microCT imaging workflows, including coordination with imaging facilities as needed
• Document and refine workflows to ensure consistency and long-term usability of digitized data
  
  Level of independence / decision-making
• Works independently on assigned workflows following established museum standards and project protocols
• Exercises judgment in resolving routine data inconsistencies, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining throughput
• Consults with PI and collections staff on complex data issues, workflow changes, or exceptions to standard protocols
• Provides day-to-day supervision and task direction for undergraduate assistants

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, museum studies, natural resources, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience with biodiversity specimen digitization, accessioning, or collections data management
• Familiarity with museum database systems (e.g., Specify, Arctos, EMu, or similar)
• Experience with data entry, data cleaning, and quality control in large datasets
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in high-volume workflows
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a research and collections environment

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience working with natural history collections, particularly vertebrates (reptiles/amphibians preferred)
• Familiarity with georeferencing tools and spatial data standards
• Experience supervising or training student assistants
• Exposure to imaging workflows (e.g., microCT) or specimen preparation for imaging

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 position is one-year term limited with the possibility of renewal based on performance, funding, and availability of work.

As one of the world's great liberal arts 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 employment opportunity employer.

277643

Research Area Specialist Intermediate - Rabosky Lab

Research Area Specialist Inter

Ann Arbor Campus

Onsite

Full-Time

Regular

Exempt

College Of Lsa

LSA Ecology & Evolutionary Bio

5/14/2026 - 5/21/2026

$52,000.00 - $68,700.00

Research