Research Lab Specialist Assoc

Apply Now

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.

Job Summary

The Michigan Nanotechnology Institute for Medicine and Biological Sciences (MNIMBS) is seeking a Research Lab Specialist Associate to study the immunological mechanisms of adjuvants for the development of improved vaccines. The ideal candidate will have experience in basic cellular and molecular biology/biochemical techniques including mammalian cell culture, qPCR, protein expression and purification, and immunological techniques such as ELISA, and flow cytometry. Prior experience working with mice is highly preferred. 

Primary responsibilities include assisting in experimental work for ongoing projects, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting results. The candidate will work closely with the principal investigator as well as other laboratory staff in a highly collaborative basic science laboratory. Thus, the successful candidate should be able to work independently as well as collaboratively across multiple diverse concurrent projects.  Eventual responsibilities will also involve training and oversight of undergraduate students. Additional responsibilities include reagent preparation and lab maintenance duties such as maintaining lab equipment and ordering supplies to maintain laboratory stocks. We are seeking an enthusiastic applicant that is willing to learn and join our team.

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.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

  • Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
  • 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

Primary Responsibilities include:

  • Perform in vivo immunization experiments in mouse models and collect serum and tissue samples for immunological analysis.
  • Perform basic cellular and molecular biology/biochemical techniques including mammalian cell culture, qPCR, protein expression and purification, and immunological techniques such as ELISA, and flow cytometry.
  • Conducts and coordinates experimental work for ongoing projects, compiling, analyzing, and interpreting results, as well as potentially contributing to manuscript preparation.
  • Reagent preparation and lab maintenance duties such as maintaining lab equipment and ordering supplies to maintain laboratory stocks.
  • Work closely with the principal investigator as well as other laboratory staff in a highly collaborative basic science laboratory.
  • Training and oversight of undergraduate students. Trains users in laboratory techniques and equipment operation.  

Required Qualifications*

  • B.A. or B.S. degree in immunology, biochemistry, cellular molecular biology, or related biomedical field. 
  • 1-3 years of experience in a related field. Master's Degree preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience with general basic molecular and cellular biology techniques and immunological techniques: ex. mammalian tissue culture, protein production/ purification, western blotting, isolation of DNA, RNA, qPCR, ELISA
  • Experience working independently with murine models for in vivo studies (techniques including such things as immunization, blood collection, viral infection models).
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently. 
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral) and attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications*

  • Prior experience in virology related techniques.
  • Experience performing primary cell isolation from animal tissue.
  • Strong interest in research and learning these techniques under guidance by the PI and lab personnel.

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.

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.