Research Lab Specialist Assoc

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Retirement plan with matching

Comprehensive health insurance

Life insurance

Work-life programs incl. childcare

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor is seeking an experienced researcher to perform and lead mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and animal studies in a collaborative biomedicine lab. The role emphasizes protocol optimization, data management, and supporting publications and grants.

This is a 1-year term appointment with potential renewal, and hybrid work arrangements may be available.

Qualifications

• Master's degree preferred.
• At least 2–3 years of wet laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform and independently execute laboratory experiments involving mammalian cell culture, molecular and cellular biology techniques, extracellular vesicle/particle isolation and characterization, biomaterial preparation, biochemical assays, and sample processing.
• Apply established protocols, troubleshoot experimental procedures, and contribute to the optimization of research methods.
• Conduct and support animal studies including animal handling, breeding, genotyping, dosing, monitoring, tissue collection, necropsy, and preparation of biological samples for downstream analyses.
• Coordinate and maintain laboratory animal colonies, including breeding coordination, animal identification, record keeping, health monitoring, organization of genotyping, colony management, and communication with animal care personnel to ensure appropriate availability and documentation of research animals.
• Perform and interpret experimental analyses including flow cytometry, histology, immunostaining, microscopy and imaging, image analysis, and quantitative assessment of biological samples.
• Assist with experimental troubleshooting and interpretation of results.
• Manage and analyze research data, including collection, organization, quality control, and maintenance of experimental data, laboratory records, electronic notebooks, and research databases.
• Prepare figures, quantitative summaries, and reports to support research projects, publications, presentations, and grant applications.
• Support laboratory operations and research infrastructure, including reagent preparation, inventory management, ordering and tracking supplies, equipment operation and maintenance, quality control, and compliance with laboratory safety and institutional procedures.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of standardized laboratory workflows.
• Participate in research coordination, training, and compliance activities, including laboratory meetings, experimental planning, protocol development and documentation, regulatory and compliance activities, and onboarding and training of students, research staff, and other laboratory personnel.

Skills

Wet lab experience

Education

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Who We Are

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, founded in 1875 in Ann Arbor, is a top-ranked, world-renowned institution for dental education, research, and clinical care. It consistently ranks among the top dental schools globally, offering DDS, dental hygiene, and advanced graduate programs, including a unique program for internationally trained dentists.

Mission Statement

Enhancing health through education, service, advocacy, research, and discovery.

Vision

As a global leader in integrated health, we drive innovation through groundbreaking research and transformative education, preparing future-ready leaders to deliver equitable, exceptional care and advance the dental profession.

Core Values

• Compassion: We approach each interaction with collegiality, empathy, and professionalism, recognizing the unique contributions of each individual.
• Leadership: We empower each person to lead and contribute to our shared goals.
• Excellence: We uphold high standards and drive progress in healthcare.
• Responsibility: We promote integrity, professionalism, and accountability to ensure ethical decision-making.
• Trust: We commit to an honest, transparent environment that fosters healthy relationships.
• Creativity: We approach problems with bold thinking by crafting innovative solutions that benefit our community.
• Belonging: We embrace and celebrate our diverse community by fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging.

Responsibilities

• Perform and independently execute laboratory experiments involving mammalian cell culture, molecular and cellular biology techniques, extracellular vesicle/particle isolation and characterization, biomaterial preparation, biochemical assays, and sample processing.
• Apply established protocols, troubleshoot experimental procedures, and contribute to the optimization of research methods.
• Conduct and support animal studies including animal handling, breeding, genotyping, dosing, monitoring, tissue collection, necropsy, and preparation of biological samples for downstream analyses.
• Perform these activities in accordance with approved animal protocols and institutional requirements.
• Coordinate and maintain laboratory animal colonies, including breeding coordination, animal identification, record keeping, health monitoring, organization of genotyping, colony management, and communication with animal care personnel to ensure appropriate availability and documentation of research animals.
• Perform and interpret experimental analyses including flow cytometry, histology, immunostaining, microscopy and imaging, image analysis, and quantitative assessment of biological samples.
• Assist with experimental troubleshooting and interpretation of results.
• Manage and analyze research data, including collection, organization, quality control, and maintenance of experimental data, laboratory records, electronic notebooks, and research databases.
• Prepare figures, quantitative summaries, and reports to support research projects, publications, presentations, and grant applications.
• Support laboratory operations and research infrastructure, including reagent preparation, inventory management, ordering and tracking supplies, equipment operation and maintenance, quality control, and compliance with laboratory safety and institutional procedures.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of standardized laboratory workflows.
• Participate in research coordination, training, and compliance activities, including laboratory meetings, experimental planning, protocol development and documentation, regulatory and compliance activities, and onboarding and training of students, research staff, and other laboratory personnel.

Required Qualifications

• Master's level education preferred
• At least 2-3 years of research experience in wet laboratory settings

Benefits

• Generous paid time off for vacations, holidays, sick time, season days, and paid parental leave.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions after the first year of employment.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Work-life programs to strengthen a workplace culture that supports personal and family life, including child care, elder care, lactation resources, and mental and emotional health services.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

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

We are committed to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment for everyone. As part of the onboarding process, all candidates are required to submit their immunization records to Occupational Health Services (OHS) prior to their appointment start date to verify their immunization status. The process includes completing a two-step TB test for all new hires and providing proof of Hepatitis B immunization for clinic-facing roles. Additional immunizations may be necessary based on public health guidance or specific job responsibilities.

This is a 1 year term limited apt with the possibility of extension based on funding/performance.

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.