Research Lab Specialist Inter

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Job Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Matthias Wolf has a position as a talented researcher at the level of Research Technician II. Appointment rank will be based on level of experience. The laboratory is focused on tubular handling of electrolytes by the kidney. The laboratory is interested in a variety of human diseases caused by abnormalities in calcium and magnesium regulation such as kidney stones, kidney disease, and diabetes mellitus. 

This is a highly innovative research project focused on the modification of renal ion channels involved in renal calcium and magnesium regulation. Specifically, we are interested in the regulation of tubular ion channels by highly abundant urinary proteins such as Uromodulin and Mucin-1. We study how dysregulation of these proteins alters renal calcium and magnesium homeostasis and influences metabolism and risk for kidney stones. This project involves work with genetically modified mice, genotyping, phenotyping, whole-animal physiology using metabolic cages, and glucose and insulin tolerance tests. 

This is a highly collaborative project where the candidate will have to interact with the Animal Care & Use Program, IACUC, ULAM, the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Core, and with the Michigan Diabetes Research Center. The laboratory is moving to the University of Michigan. To learn more about the laboratory please visit the old webpage (https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/labs/wolf/). This position provides an excellent opportunity to grow scientifically and to interact with a highly dynamic group of scientists. This is an opportunity for a talented researcher to expand their skills in:

Responsibilities*

  • Performance of cutting-edge medical scientific research work involved in multidisciplinary areas such as cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, and physiology with an emphasis on ion channels.

  • Scientific data collection, documentation, and analysis of research data, interpretation and discussion of research data with supervisor. 

  • Studies such as whole-animal physiology, PCR for genotyping of mice, quantitative PCR, animal body fluid testing, and animal husbandry. 

  • Lab management. 

  • Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work directly with laboratory-based researchers on complex and important problems in renal physiology and will be offered competitive compensation and benefits.

  • Other duties may have to be performed as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor degree or above with a life science-related major.

  • High interest in applying mouse models to identify new therapies for human diseases.

  • Applicant should be motivated and willing to learn the technical skills outlined above (e.g. PCR, qPCR, and mouse models). 

  • Previous hand-on laboratory experience is preferred but not required. 

  • Reading literature, implementation of new procedures in accordance with supervisor. 

  • Work well in a research group, be a team player, strong work ethics.

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

Describe your ideal applicant: 

The applicant who has graduate from college and is seeking an entrance level job to acquire experience in biological sciences. Person should be curious, interested, patient, highly motivated, and interested to transition into an independent role over time. Applicants who want to acquire experience to later move on to graduate school or medical school are welcomed to apply. 

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.