How to Apply
Please review the job summary and apply with a cover letter stating your interest in the position and outline skills and experience that relate to this position along with research interests, career aspiration.
Job Summary
The Laboratory of Dr. Catherine Kaczorowski is seeking a highly organized and skilled research laboratory specialist associate in genetic mechanisms that promote resilience to AD at the cellular level. The successful candidate for this position will be responsible for performing patch-seq experiments using brain slice electrophysiology to measure intrinsic and synaptic plasticity in mice resilient to developing cognitive deficits despite harboring causal mutations (see Neuner et al., 2019, Neuron). This role requires a high level of self-motivation and organization, along with the ability and willingness to acquire new skills. The candidate must be capable of working independently as well as in a team environment. The Kaczorowski lab is a collaborative team, with leadership that values supporting highquality training, opportunities for travel by presenting and conferences, and recognition for contributions with authorship on publications and opportunities for career development. The Kaczorowski lab is in the Department of Neurology at the University of Michigan Medical School located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI) continues to be a leader in innovative, collaborative, and visionary research in the areas of brain science and brain impacting diseases. MNI's cross-disciplinary research portfolio reflects the full range of basic and translational projects from molecular analyses to animal models to human applications. More information about the Kaczorowski lab can be found at http://kaczorowski.lab.medicine.umich.edu or on Twitter @KaczorowskiLab.
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*
The successful candidate will be able to plan, develop, execute, and analyze data for a research project in the context of a supportive lab and institutional environment. In addition, they will help train undergraduate research assistants and junior technicians in the lab. We are looking for someone that has the aptitude to learn new techniques, works well with others, and possesses strong critical thinking skills.
- Uses patch clamp electrophysiology in acute brain slices to record neuronal activity and measure intrinsic and synaptic plasticity, fill and label neurons for subsequent morphological characterization, and preserve nuclei for subsequent transcriptomics.
- Proactively identifies problems, troubleshoots, and analyzes variations observed and reported in regular testing protocols; develops, modifies, refines, or adapts techniques and procedures; modifies and/or adjusts quality control measures.
- Monitors documentation of results; reviews and recognizes documentation which may lead to modification and adaptation of research methodologies; may collaborate with others.
- Plans and monitors resources needed to operate the laboratory; maintains inventory control; coordinates space, field, equipment and/or facilities; may monitor expenditures.
- Leads exchange of research information through demonstration and instruction.
- Assists with the creation of posters, manuscripts, and presentations for meetings and grant.
- Is organized, responsible and reports results clearly and efficiently to supervisor.
- Records all information, daily, in an official electronic laboratory notebook.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
- Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering or related
- 1+ years of experience with brain slice electrophysiology
- Ability to work flexible shifts (evening/weekend/holiday)
Desired Qualifications*
- Master's degree in a related field
- Familiarity with the preparation and use of acute mouse brain slices.
- Must be a strong team-player and possess excellent listening and speaking skills.
- Experience with statistical analysis; interprets and evaluates results and compiles data for peer and PI review.
- Experienced in training personnel in electrophysiological techniques and analysis.
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 Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.