Research Lab Specialist Senior

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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.

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

Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan is hiring a highly organized and skilled individual to join our team as a Research Laboratory Specialist (Senior). 

The candidate is expected to work largely independently on a day-to-day basis, with weekly scheduled meetings with the Principal Investigator. The successful candidate will plan, develop, execute, and analyze an independent research project in the context of a supportive lab and institutional environment. The candidate will also serve as the laboratory manager, supervising ordering, lab maintenance and managing regulatory requirements. Additionally, the candidate will collaborate with other laboratory research investigators and external collaborators for project development and provide mentoring and supervision to research laboratory staff, ensuring successful laboratory operations and promoting a cohesive and productive working environment. 

Responsibilities*

  • Develop protocols for various new and current laboratory molecular and culture techniques. Improve research quality by identifying problems and implementing solutions. Optimize PCR methods, integrate and design protocols. Conduct research on core lab projects and collaborative projects with other research groups.
  • Manage shared lab equipment and proper maintenance schedules for smooth running of laboratory equipment. Order and stock laboratory supplies. 
  • Assist PI in university regulatory requirements for animal and biological BSL-2 work. Provide animal and IRB protocol submissions and amendments. Act as Lab Safety Coordinator to keep all members of the lab up to date with safety trainings and act as contact for OSEH. Conduct data collection and analysis for various projects.
  • Organization, record keeping, supervise laboratory personnel. Approve employee's timesheets. Manage lab personnel and daily lab operations to keep research flow process smooth.
  • Train new and current lab members on molecular biology, animal handling, and culture techniques. Train personnel to operate laboratory equipment.
  • Aid in sample processing of human tissues including fecal matter and blood. Perform media preparation for cell culture and bacterial media, pouring of culture plates, preparing stock solutions, washing and sterilizing glassware/plasticware.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's Degree required. Master's Degree preferred.
  • 5+ years of research experience i.e., published in a field of specialty, and academic knowledge in a field or discipline.
  • Strong understanding of laboratory procedures and protocols.
  • Experience in animal husbandry and handling, molecular and cellular techniques. 
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to work in a team.
  • Extreme attention to detail with good record-keeping.
  • Proficiency with standard Windows Office software, spreadsheet applications, and graphics applications.
  • Experience with statistical/analysis software including R, SAS and comfort with the coding environment.
  • Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements and safety standards.

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

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.