How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume.
- Explain your previous experience with wet lab work, including the skills and techniques you have learned.
- Describe your interest in kidney research and/or translational research
- Tell how this internship program will help with your future education & career goals.
Summary
The University of Michigan Kidney Translational Medicine Center (MiKTMC) is seeking an intern to join our kidney organoid functional team. Stem cell derived kidney organoids provide a valuable model system for investigating the underlying mechanisms of kidney diseases and assist in drug development. The intern will learn with a team of researchers how to generate kidney organoids, assist with characterization of cell lines, collect samples, and use a variety of techniques to study the transcriptional and translational changes of the organoids due to drug response. We are looking for an intern who is honest, a team-player, has a positive outlook, is self-motivated to develop new skills, and is committed to this demanding project and stem cell culture. The intern will also shadow several other functional groups in the team to have a better understanding of the research processes of translational medicine. Please check out https://www.miktmc.org/ to learn more about our team and goals to better understand kidney disease in mechanistic terms to help find targeted therapeutic interventions.
Qualities We Look For:
Mission — You are highly motivated and inspired by our mission to improve the health of patients with kidney disease around the globe
Curiosity — You are energized by finding creative solutions to new situations and see challenges as an opportunity to improve
High Standards — You take pride in your work and have a high level of integrity
Grit — You bring determination and a strong will to the challenges and opportunities that come with being a complex team working with researchers, collaborators, and patients from 3 different continents
Self-Starter — You take initiative and have a positive outlook
Mission Statement
Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.
Responsibilities*
- Conduct literature review on the current state of kidney organoid research.
- Learn routine stem cell culture maintenance, how to analyze the data, & form your own conclusions.
- Attend weekly meetings with the organoid team and you should be proactive in asking questions about the project(s) & research lab
- Use a variety of wet lab techniques to study drug response, regulation, and physiology of the organoids.
- Investigate the mechanisms of kidney disease through analysis of data gathered from the organoids.
- Write a research report summarizing the findings and their implications for future kidney disease research.
- Present the findings at a final project presentation to the lab group.
Required Qualifications*
- Relevant class/lab/research experience in cell culture and an understanding of basic biology techniques (PCR/Western blot)
- Excellent documentation, communication, and time-management skills.
- Enthusiasm for developing new skills.
- Excellent attention to detail and sense of responsibility.
- Experience with Microsoft Excel & Microsoft PowerPoint
Desired Qualifications*
- 3rd or 4th year in undergraduate program
- Interest in kidney-related research and/or translational research
Work Schedule
- Work Hours - Full time (schedule may vary 30-35hrs. per week)
- In person with hybrid hours for literature review
- Tentative start date of May 15 and end date of August 18
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Vaccine Requirements
COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all students, faculty and staff working in the following areas: Michigan Medicine including the Medical School, Dental School, University Health Service or the Mary A. Rackham Institute. This includes those working remotely and temporary workers. More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.