Lab Administrative Research Technician - Bardwell Lab

Primary Work Address: 4544 MSRB II, Dock #6, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-0650

Current HHMI Employees, click here to apply via your Workday account.

About the Lab:

The Bardwell Lab at the University of Michigan studies fundamental mechanisms of cellular regulation with an emphasis on protein structure, function, and regulation. The lab's research uses directed evolution to address nicotine addiction and uses structural biology, biochemistry and cell biology to analyze factors that affect protein folding. For more information about the lab, please visit: https://sites.lsa.umich.edu/bardwell-lab/

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly organized and proactive Lab Administrative Research Technician to support the day-to-day operations of the Bardwell Lab. This full-time, in-person role plays a critical function in ensuring smooth laboratory operations, effective coordination with institutional partners, and continuity of research activities.

The position serves as a primary administrative liaison between the University of Michigan and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) and supports laboratory personnel across administrative, operational, and compliance-related needs. While the role includes hands-on exposure to laboratory workflows and routine lab activities, the primary emphasis is on lab administration, coordination, and operational support, rather than independent bench research.

What You'll Get:

• A strong opportunity for someone looking to develop administrative and operational skills within a research lab and build experience toward a long-term career as a lab manager
• Direct mentorship from Dr. James Bardwell, with opportunities to learn best practices in laboratory operations and research administration
• Exposure to and networking opportunities with interdisciplinary teams across the University of Michigan and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• A collaborative and motivated team environment where curiosity, initiative, and professionalism are highly valued
• A competitive compensation package with comprehensive health and wellness benefits

• Maintain the day-to-day laboratory environment to ensure reagents, consumables, and shared equipment are prepared, stocked, and functioning properly
• Prepare and maintain stock reagents, buffers, antibiotics, and plates; deliver special requests to researchers in a timely manner
• Perform routine laboratory preparation work and assist researchers as time permits
• Operate and maintain shared lab equipment, including running the glass washer, organizing glassware, calibrating pH meters, and maintaining clean and organized workspaces
• Monitor laboratory facilities and coordinate maintenance or repair needs for equipment such as dishwashers, cold rooms, warm rooms, and autoclaves
• Receive and distribute laboratory deliveries
• Maintain and update laboratory standard operating procedure documentation as new protocols are introduced
• Train and provide task-based oversight to student assistants in routine laboratory activities, including solution and plate preparation.

• Manage ordering and inventory of laboratory supplies, including placing daily orders, tracking deliveries, and notifying lab members upon receipt
• Maintain general supply and chemical inventories and conduct required annual Environment Health and Safety (EHS) chemical inventories
• Monitor consumable usage (e.g., gloves, ethanol) and ensure timely reordering and pickup
• Periodically defrost laboratory freezers and maintain accurate freezer inventories
• Establish working relationships with vendor representatives to request quotes and discounts as appropriate
• Track consumable spending and provide regular summary reports to the lab head
• Review monthly operating charges and approve items for payment
• Budget projections

• Support laboratory safety compliance by onboarding new lab members with lab and safety orientations and ensuring completion of required EHS training
• Maintain accurate training records and confirm ongoing compliance for all lab personnel
• Conduct routine lab safety checks and assist with monthly EHS compliance surveys
• Serve as liaison during safety inspections and coordinate biological waste pickup with EHS
• Manage lab coat collection and laundering logistics
• Maintain safety documentation, including emergency contact information and EHS binders
• Perform routine safety maintenance tasks such as monthly eyewash flushing and documentation

• Serve as a primary administrative liaison between the Bardwell Lab, the University of Michigan, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute
• Schedule lab meetings, data clubs, and other recurring lab activities
• Assist with onboarding and offboarding logistics by notifying HR of incoming and departing personnel
• Review and submit hourly employee time entries for payroll processing
• Assist with employee travel arrangements, lodging, and reimbursements
• Support required university and HHMI compliance activities, including computer compliance and equipment inventories
• Coordinate equipment servicing and repairs and facilitate communication across institutional partners

• Assist the PI and laboratory members with specific administrative or operational requests as priorities permit
• Help maintain open communication within the lab and support a collaborative, well-organized research environment.

• Bachelor's degree required in Molecular Biology, Biology, or a related field; the team is also open to considering candidates with other relevant backgrounds (e.g., finance, operations, administration) who bring strong organizational and coordination skills
• One to two years of experience working in a laboratory environment is highly preferred but not required.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, particularly when managing administrative processes, documentation, and records
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• A collaborative and professional working style, with comfort supporting diverse stakeholders including faculty, researchers, and trainees
• A forward-looking mindset with the ability to anticipate needs, identify potential issues, and proactively support lab operations
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a willingness to learn institutional processes and contribute to a team-oriented research environment