Research Lab Specialist Assoc

Apply Now

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.

Job Summary

The opening is for a full-time biomedical Research Lab Technician Associate position in a translational research laboratory in the Department of Neurology. We are looking for a candidate who has an interest in neurodevelopmental disorders and epilepsy to work in a collaborative setting. While expertise in specific techniques is not a requirement, the successful candidate should have general laboratory experience and be highly motivated to learn and work in a collaborative research environment with a team of scientists, including post-doctoral fellows, graduate students, and senior researchers. The successful candidate will work on projects in cellular and molecular neurobiology, using mouse and cell models and molecular genetics.  

Responsibilities*

The candidate will work both independently and as part of a team participating in basic science/applied bench research using a combination of genetic, cellular, and molecular approaches, including mouse. Major duties include:

  1. Maintain transgenic and mutant mouse colonies. This will include setting up and monitoring breeding cages, genotyping, gender determination, appropriate methods of anesthesia and euthanasia. 
  2. Animal tissue dissections; tissue fixation and sectioning; immunohistochemical staining and immunofluorescent staining; digital fluorescence microscopy; image analysis using software such as ImageJ.
  3. Animal surgery training will be provided. The candidate will be asked to perform/assist well-established procedures in the lab, including EEG implantation, stereotactic surgery, and in utero electroporation.
  4. The applicant is required to perform RNA/Protein isolation, transcriptomics, qRT-PCR, Western blot, microscopy, and gel electrophoresis. 

Required Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree is required with 2 years of animal and laboratory research experience and management of animal colonies, along with excellent interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written English communication skills, and the ability to work with others in a collaborative environment.

Desired Qualifications*

Bachelor's degree with a focus in biomedical sciences. Candidates with prior laboratory experience at a research university are preferred. Experience with animal handling/dissection, qRT-PCR, multi-omics, drug screening, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, or fluorescence-based tissue staining is desired. Experience with EEG implantation and stereotactic surgery is highly valued. 

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.