Research Lab Specialist Inter

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental and vision

2:1 Match on retirement savings

Job summary

Michigan Medicine is expanding the Michigan Center for Translational Pathology laboratory to advance cancer research through high-throughput sequencing technologies, including RNA-Seq, single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Join a collaborative team using Xenium and CytoAssist platforms to develop prognostic biomarkers and learn leading cellular/molecular techniques.

The role requires a Master’s in biology and at least five years of lab experience, with skills in qPCR, cloning, cell culture

Qualifications

• Master's degree required with ≥5 years in basic lab research.
• Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry labs.
• Familiar with qPCR, molecular cloning and cell culture.
• Experience with NGS library preparation (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Capture-Seq, etc.).
• Willingness to learn single-cell/spatial transcriptomics platforms; cross-project collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Isolate RNA and DNA from tissues and blood and prepare samples for sequencing.
• Check sample quality via spectrophotometer, bioanalyzer, and qPCR.
• Prepare NGS libraries for the lab and collaborators.
• Support library prep for single-cell and spatial transcriptomics libraries.
• Run next-generation sequencing platforms and validate genes with Sanger/qPCR.
• Write internal research reports and participate in group meetings.
• Maintain documentation for lab inspections and SOPs.
• Run instrument validations and optimize new technologies.

Skills

qPCR techniques

Molecular cloning

Cell culture

NGS library prep

Single cell / spatial transcriptomics

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in biology or related field

PhD in biological sciences (desired)

Tools

Xenium

CytoAssist

Bioanalyzer

Spectrophotometer

qPCR instrument

Job description

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

Join the expanding Michigan Center for Translational Pathology laboratory to work in the research sequencing team. Our laboratory uses high-throughput technologies to understand the mechanisms of cancer progression and to develop new prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers of cancer. The laboratory provides enormous resources and opportunities for an individual to learn traditional cellular/molecular techniques as well as state-of-the-art technologies, including Next Generation Sequencing, single cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics.

Responsibilities*

• Isolate RNA and DNA from tissues and blood and prepare samples through PCR and gel electrophoresis for sequencing.
• Check sample quality via spectrophotometer, bioanalyzer, and qPCR.
• Prepare NGS libraries for all the labs in MCTP as well as other collaborators, helping the research sequencing group manage the increasing volume of libraries (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Capture-Seq and etc.).
• Support library prep for single-cell and spatial transcriptomics libraries, including work on Xenium, CytoAssist, and advanced sequencing platforms.
• Run next-generation sequencing platforms, including Xenium, and support related library preparation workflows.
• Validate potential candidate genes by Sanger sequencing and qPCR.
• Write internal research reports summarizing research activities.
• Participate in group meetings and interact as a team member with laboratory personnel.
• Maintain and update all documentation for lab annual inspections, including writing SOPs, performing scheduled maintenance, and running various assays.
• Run instrument validations and verifications for new and existing platforms. Testing and optimizing new technologies and new protocols.
• The candidate should be very familiar and experienced with basic molecular biology and cell biology techniques and should have strong organizational skills to complete work in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications*

• Master's degree in biology or a related field.
• Minimum of five years' experience in basic laboratory research.
• Experience in a molecular biology and/or biochemistry research laboratory.
• Familiarity with qPCR techniques, molecular cloning, and cell culture.
• Experience with NGS library preparation (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Capture-Seq, etc.).
• Strong foundation in basic molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Willingness to learn new concepts and technologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics platforms. Experience in assay development and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multiple concurrent projects and with a range of collaborators.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and record-keeping, with the ability to complete work in a timely manner.

Desired Qualifications*

• PhD in biological science or a related field.
• Prior hands-on experience with single-cell or spatial transcriptomics platforms.

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.