How to Apply
Interested applicants should provide a cover letter detailing their specific interest in the position, CV, and contact information for three references.
Who We Are
Biophysicists at Michigan are working in the fields of Structural Biology, Spectroscopy and Microscopy, Computational Biophysics and Bioinformatics, and Biophysical Chemistry. Approximately 80 graduate students, post-docs and professors work in our well-equipped laboratories. The graduate program offers a flexible curriculum of exciting courses related to these fields, taking advantage of the resources available at a major research University. Find out more information about Biophysics here.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
A research technician position is available in the Maurer Lab at the University of Michigan. The Maurer Lab combines super-resolution microscopy with genomic, biochemical, and proteomic approaches to understand the vector-host interactions driving successful rAAV gene therapies. Read more about our research here: www.maurerlab.org
We are particularly interested in a candidate who has experience with AAV Vectors, mammalian cell culture, and molecular cloning techniques. The Maurer lab is part of the Department of Biophysics, which has a long tradition of education and research in the field. The University of Michigan Department of Biophysics has pushed the boundaries of traditional work in fundamental chemical sciences into the interface with other disciplines.
Responsibilities*
- To prepare and apply rAAV vector stocks to cultured cells
- Collect data via microscopy, qPCR, and other methods
- Clone plasmids according to experimental needs.
- Additionally, this person will have the opportunity to gain experience and training in communicating their work outside of the laboratory through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations
- Work independently in tissue culture and on benchwork under general supervision
- Optimize or troubleshoot AAV transduction and production protocols
- Perform live and fixed cell microscopy
- Establish high-content imaging workflows and perform data collection
- Analyze and interpret data from above protocols, including high-content imaging pipeline development
- Maintain detailed records in LabArchives
- Ensure quality control over vector titration reagents and results
- Contribute intellectually to experimental planning
Required Qualifications*
- Molecular and cellular biology-related BS degree that includes 2+ years of wet lab experience.
- Expertise in mammalian cell culture and sterile technique.
- Experience with multichannel pipetting and 96-well plate assays, including use of fluorescence and luminescence plate readers.
- Ability to read, interpret, and critically evaluate primary scientific literature.
- Experience with molecular cloning, including Gibson assembly, PCR, restriction digestions, and ligation
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, word, and some experience with scientific writing (through coursework or otherwise).
Desired Qualifications*
- Preferred experience with SnapGene, CellProfiler or CellPose, and LabArchives software
- Basic coding skills (vibe coding counts)
Why Work at Michigan?
We are so proud that the University of Michigan offers comprehensive benefits to support your wellness as you plan for a stable and secure future. To enhance a career filled with purpose and opportunity, other benefits include:
- Generous time off programs.
- Our retirement plan provides two-for-one matching contributions.
- Comprehensive options for health, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance.
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
- Tuition support, including the ability to take undergraduate courses in LSA at no cost.
- Meeting-free days and communication norms that help you to "unplug" from work.
- Access to deals, discounts, and attractions; see Uniquely Michigan for details.
While you will primarily work from our central campus in Ann Arbor, LSA offers flexible work options. To support work-life balance, LSA has an email policy that limits non-essential emails to weekday business hours. We invite you to take a look at LSA's mission, vision, and values.
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.
Additional Information
This is a full-time, 12-month term-limited position with a possibility of renewal based on the availability of funding, the availability of work, and overall successful performance.
As one of the world's great liberal arts and sciences colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.
To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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.