Job Summary
The Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics at the University of Michigan seeks an experienced Research Laboratory Specialist Intermediate to translate a validated research methodology into a scalable industrial biochemical product. The successful candidate must possess extensive experience and proven expertise in designing, producing, and performing rigorous quality control for industrial biochemical products, including plasmids, enzymes, and nucleic acid standards. The role demands a meticulous individual capable of managing high-throughput processes, routinely handling hundreds to thousands of bacterial DNA extractions and quality verification assays daily, while maintaining comprehensive documentation and sample organization systems.
What You'll Do
The Research Laboratory Specialist Intermediate will be responsible for transitioning a laboratory-developed research process into a robust, industrial-scale biochemical production pipeline. Key responsibilities include designing and optimizing molecular cloning and production protocols to produce high-quality plasmid standards using Golden Gate cloning, confirming product fidelity through Sanger sequencing, gel electrophoresis, and restriction enzyme analyses. The candidate will manage targeted nanopore sequencing library preparations, continuously refining workflows to enhance reliability, throughput, and product integrity.
The position will involve substantial daily throughput, requiring the candidate to accurately process hundreds to thousands of bacterial DNA extractions and verifications in each workday. The role demands rigorous attention to detail, exemplary organizational skills for the storage and accurate retrieval of thousands of samples without errors, and meticulous record-keeping in lab notebooks for regulatory compliance and reproducibility. Additionally, the candidate will be tasked with method development, process optimization, and engineering innovations aimed at enhancing product scalability and commercial viability. They will participate actively in product characterization, enzyme validation, and prototype development, ensuring strict adherence to established quality and safety standards.
The successful applicant will also mentor junior staff, co-author scientific publications, and effectively communicate findings within multidisciplinary teams, supporting the lab's overarching goal to establish standardized, scalable biochemical production processes suitable for commercial application.
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.
Required Qualifications*
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, or a closely related discipline, accompanied by a minimum of eight years of hands-on experience specifically in industrial biochemical product production, molecular cloning, DNA sequencing, enzyme characterization, and rigorous quality control processes. Demonstrated expertise in large-scale biochemical purification and validation assays, as well as extensive experience managing high-volume sample organization systems, is essential.
Candidates should also exhibit strong proficiency in laboratory math, experimental troubleshooting, and clear communication of technical data both in writing and orally. Exceptional organizational abilities, attention to detail, and strict adherence to safety and compliance protocols are required. Familiarity with automation technologies and AI-driven data analysis tools is advantageous.
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
The role is laboratory-based, involving handling biological samples, chemicals, and laboratory equipment. Strict compliance with laboratory safety procedures is mandatory. The position may occasionally require flexible working hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet high-volume production goals and deadlines. Strong organizational skills, capacity to manage multiple high-throughput projects simultaneously, and effective communication skills across varying levels of technical expertise are crucial for success.
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.