How to Apply
To be considered, please submit a 1-page cover letter concisely outlining your research interests and experience, in addition to your specific interest in this position; also attach a full CV.
Summary
The Michigan Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery provides outstanding, state-of-the-art, evidence-based care for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. As well, our faculty, staff, and trainees conduct a diverse range of musculoskeletal research and scholarship. The department?s research program integral to its mission and vision of leading advances in musculoskeletal health, through excellence and innovative care, scientific discovery, and dedicated teaching.
Research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is conducted by a diverse group of faculty, staff and trainees with expertise in biology, engineering, epidemiology, health outcomes and healthcare. The collaborative research programs are focused on improving treatment or preventing musculoskeletal disorders and disease. The research enterprise is funded by a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, the NIH, DoD, NSF, industry, and professional societies. Primary basic science research operations are located at the Biomedical Science Research Building, with additional clinical research sites. Currently there are extensive shared core resources and a team of core research staff.
This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable laboratory experience working with multi-disciplinary scientists on urgent and pressing questions in the context of joint injury and osteoarthritis. There is a good deal of excitement and funding in this area, and we are making great strides in better understanding these common, debilitating musculoskeletal conditions. There is strong potential for development in technical expertise in addition to improvements in communication skills, work ethic, and conceptual knowledge.
We are looking for a diligent, talented, and self-motivated individual with an interest in experimentation, analytical workflows, and scientific teamwork. Gap-year students (prior to enrolling in a PhD/Medical/Dental/Veterinary program) wishing to gain/expand research experience and establish a scientific publishing record are encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities*
- Work closely with senior researchers on project-oriented objectives
- Develop proficiency in multiple molecular biology techniques and procedures
- Develop a strong understanding of concepts, knowledge and approaches in musculoskeletal biology and related disciplines
- Keep careful and detailed lab notebook records of experiments, data, and observations
- Analyze data collected from experiments
- Communicate clearly and effectively with our multi-disciplinary team of scientists, trainees, and clinicians
- Attend weekly one-on-one meetings with direct supervisor and weekly laboratory meetings
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor Degree in Biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience working in a laboratory in a relevant field (eg. cell culture, molecular biology/biochemistry, or mouse studies)
- Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides)
- Willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, and concepts
- Competent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail
- Methodical, systematic work approach and diligent notetaking skills
Desired Qualifications*
- Experience with molecular biology techniques including isolation of RNA, DNA, and protein; gene and protein expression analyses (PCR, western blotting, ELISA); and mammalian cell culture; tissue harvests and dissections; mouse handling
- Experience with analyzing, collating, and presenting data from experiments
- Experience working closely with senior researchers on projects
- Experience with animal dissections and tissue harvests
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.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.