Research Lab Specialist Inter - Maurer Lab

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time off programs

Retirement plan matching contributions

Health insurance

Tuition support

Flexible work options

Job summary

The Maurer laboratory at the University of Michigan is seeking a Research Lab Specialist Intermediate to join a team applying super-resolution microscopy, genomics, and proteomics to study vector-host interactions in rAAV gene therapies.

Ideal candidates have strong AAV biology knowledge, molecular cloning skills, and experience with mammalian cell culture. This is a full-time position based in Ann Arbor with opportunities for lab leadership and growth.

Qualifications

• Molecular biology expertise with 2+ years in AAV/vector work.
• BS/MS with 4+ years in AAV/vector research required.
• Experience in producing and QC of AAV vectors.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct research using microscopy and molecular biology on cultured cells and animals.
• Train and assist Fellows and students in prep, techniques, and instrument use.
• Develop assays including vector genome and titration methods.
• Maintain stocks and documentation, assist in waste disposal, promote environmentally responsible practices.
• Support administrative tasks related to research goals.

Education

Molecular and Cellular Biology-related MS degree with 2+ years of experience in Adeno-associated virus/vector research

BS or MS degree with 4+ years of experience in Adeno-associated virus/vector research (academic or industry). Experience must be with AAV, not other viral vectors.

Expertise in producing recombinant AAV vectors at small- to medium-scale, including purification, titer assessment by qPCR and ddPCR, and quality control.

Expertise in designing and implementing rAAV capsid and vector genome variants

Strong working knowledge of AAV biology and the primary literature.

Expertise in molecular cloning, including Gibson assembly, PCR, restriction digestions and ligation, site-directed mutagenesis, type II-S, and troubleshooting.

Tools

Gibson assembly

PCR

Restriction digestions

Ligation

Site-directed mutagenesis

Job description

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, postdocs, 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

The Maurer laboratory at the University of Michigan is currently seeking a Research Lab Specialist Intermediate. 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: https://maurerlab.org/index.html

We are particularly interested in a candidate who has experience with 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

• 40% Under the general direction of the faculty member and Senior Scientist, develop, design, and conduct research using microscopy, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques, using both cultured cells and animal models. Produce recombinant AAV vector preparations at medium scales, perform all quality control of vector preparations, and clone & maintain all plasmid stocks required to do so. Document, analyze and evaluate results; identify new research methods/techniques; identify and solve research problems.
• 25% Training and assisting Research Fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students with preparations, research techniques, use of instruments, methods, and procedures to help advance the research objectives of the laboratory.
• 20% Assay Development and implementation, including but not limited to Nanopore sequencing for vector genome integrity, whole DNA extraction and quantification from transduced cells, and vector titration methodology.
• 10% Maintaining adequate stocks and documentation of supplies, preparing and aliquoting reagents, assisting in hazardous and nonhazardous waste disposal/removal, and ensuring the lab is using environmentally responsible practices (i.e., minimizing plastic waste in landfills).
• 5% Assisting the PI and Senior Scientist with administrative tasks relevant to research goals.

Required Qualifications

• Molecular and Cellular Biology-related MS degree with 2+ years of experience in Adeno-associated virus/vector research
• BS or MS degree with 4+ years of experience in Adeno-associated virus/vector research (academic or industry). Experience must be with AAV, not other viral vectors.
• Expertise in producing recombinant AAV vectors at small- to medium-scale, including purification, titer assessment by qPCR and ddPCR, and quality control.
• Expertise in designing and implementing rAAV capsid and vector genome variants
• Strong working knowledge of AAV biology and the primary literature.
• Expertise in molecular cloning, including Gibson assembly, PCR, restriction digestions and ligation, site-directed mutagenesis, type II-S, and troubleshooting.

Desired Qualifications

• Preferred experience administering rAAV vectors to mice and harvesting relevant tissues, but willingness to learn is sufficient.
• Preferred experience generating transgenic cell lines and maintaining stocks of cryopreserved lines
• Preferred experience in mammalian cell culture beyond HEK293 cells. Organoid and/or primary cell culture experience is a major plus.

Why Work at Michigan?

Benefits

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.