Research Lab Specialist Inter/Assoc - Term Limited

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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

A Research Lab Specialist position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Katherine Barnett, in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI. The Barnett laboratory studies the molecular mechanisms of cell death, damage, and inflammation in the context of viral infection.  

The candidates' responsibilities would include managing laboratory organization, maintaining equipment, managing a murine colony (including husbandry, genotyping, and organization), ordering and managing laboratory supplies, training new laboratory members on equipment and basic assays, and assisting with one or more laboratory research projects with the guidance of faculty and the opportunity to develop an independent project if desired.  The candidate will be a fast learner with strong organizational skills, robust attention to detail, and high motivation to learn new techniques. Candidate must be willing to work with experimental mice. Previous experience with murine husbandry and cell culture is preferred but not required. 

Please note: This position is term-limited for 2 year(s) with the possibility of renewal based on the need and available funding.

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*

  • General laboratory maintenance (cleaning/organizing, autoclaving, ensuring compliance with chemical, biological, and safety regulations, etc.), including maintenance of laboratory inventories (chemicals, reagents, cell lines, viruses, etc.) 
  • Equipment maintenance. 
  • Ordering and management of laboratory supplies and preparation of stock solutions and reagents.
  • Training new laboratory members on use of equipment and basic experimental assays. 
  • Animal colony management (husbandry, genotyping, organization, etc.). 
  • Perform laboratory experiments with guidance from senior lab members either independently or supervised. This includes handling experimental mice and performing procedures, performing basic immunology/virology/molecular assays, performing routine data analysis, and maintaining a written record of activities and results. 

Required Qualifications*

Intermediate Level:

Bachelor's Degree is required.  4-5 years of experience in a related field.  Master's Degree preferred. The applicant should be responsible, detail oriented, well-organized, possess good communication skills, have strong interpersonal skills, and be willing to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted including relevant undergraduate and graduate student experience. 

Associate Level:

Bachelor's Degree is required.  1-3 years of experience in a related field.  Master's Degree preferred. The applicant should be responsible, detail oriented, well-organized, possess good communication skills, have strong interpersonal skills, and be willing to work independently and collaboratively in a research team.  An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted including relevant undergraduate and graduate student experience. 

Desired Qualifications*

Past experience with mouse handling, genotyping, cell culture, viral infection, and molecular/biochemical/immunologic assays are desirable.

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.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

This position is term-limited for 2 year(s) with the possibility of renewal based on the need and available funding.  At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits.  This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct. 

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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.