Research Laboratory Tech Sr

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Job Summary

The Cianfrocco laboratory at the Life Sciences Institute is looking for a Research Laboratory Technician to join their research team. The primary research focus of the Cianfrocco laboratory is understanding how microtubule motor proteins are regulated using biochemistry, cryo-EM, and single-molecule fluorescence. The laboratory is interested in how these proteins are misregulated in disease and how pathogens (e.g., HIV-1) exploit motor proteins for intracellular trafficking. You will have an interest in basic science research and managing daily activities within a research laboratory setting. You will report directly to Dr. Michael Cianfrocco and will work full-time onsite.

Mission Statement

The Life Sciences Institute explores biological processes, structures, and functions at the finest scale to create impact on a global scale.

For a summary of the Cianfrocco lab: https://www.lsi.umich.edu/science/our-labs/cianfrocco-lab

Responsibilities*

 Experimental tasks include:

  • Perform molecular biology experiments such as PCR amplification, traditional restriction-based cloning, and site-directed mutagenesis;
  • Assist with cell culturing and sample preparation for structural and biochemical studies;
  • Maintain supplies of consumables and reagents for assays and cell culture; and
  • Maintain safety and hygiene throughout the research lab

Non-experimental tasks include:

  • Purchase and maintain an up-to-date inventory of lab supplies and equipment;
  • Maintain lab equipment and organization of the lab;
  • Work with PI to ensure laboratory expenditures are charged to the appropriate funding source;
  • Enforce safe laboratory practices; and
  • Represent the Cianfrocco Lab at Life Sciences Institute lab managers' meetings and communicate information from those meetings back to the Cianfrocco lab members

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry
  • Minimum of 3 years of wet-lab experience working in a molecular biology, cell biology, or biochemistry laboratory
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience performing the following techniques: 
         o    Mammalian cell culture;
         o    bacterial cell culture;
         o    cell-based assays;
         o    PCR mutagenesis;
         o    SDS PAGE;
         o    Native PAGE; 
         o    affinity chromatography;
         o    agarose gel electrophoresis;
         o    UV/ViS spectrophotometry;
         o    biolayer interferometry;
         o    fluorescence assays; and 
         o    X-ray crystallography
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience in data analysis with:
          o    Rstudio;
          o    PyMOL;
          o    ImageJ;
          o    SnapGene;
          o    SigmaPlot;
          o    GraphPad Prism;
          o    Alphafold 2;
          o    ChimeraX;
          o    SeqBuilder Pro; and 
          o    Microsoft Office

Desired Qualifications*

  • Master's degree in Biochemistry;
  • Prior leadership experience (e.g., student organizations, community groups); and
  • Prior experience presenting posters at scientific conferences

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

Benefits at the University of Michigan:

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

  • A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
  • Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
  • Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Long-term disability coverage
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Maternity and Parental Leave

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

All applications for this position must be received by 11:59pm Tuesday, May 6th.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.