Research Lab Specialist Intermediate/Associate

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental and vision

2:1 retirement match

Job summary

Michigan Medicine seeks a full‑time technician to participate in translational studies of innate immune function in autoimmune and thrombotic diseases, including lupus and APS. The role involves work with patient-derived samples and mouse models under senior supervision in a collaborative rheumatology research setting.

The successful candidate will train under a senior lab member, contribute to protocol development, and may co-author peer‑reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular or cellular biology, or a related scientific field.
• 4-5 years of hands-on research laboratory experience.
• Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
• Able and willing to learn new experimental techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments including ELISA, cell culture, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, Seahorse analyzer, western blot, and qPCR.
• Conduct IACUC-approved procedures including rodent handling, gavage, injections, blood collection and dissection.
• Assist with development and optimization of experimental protocols.
• Interact with animal facility staff to support lab organization and compliance.
• Analyze results and perform routine data analysis.
• Operate and calibrate specialized lab equipment and assist others.
• Conduct literature searches to improve research quality.
• Co-author publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Multidisciplinary teamwork

Interpersonal skills

Willing to learn new techniques

Education

Bachelors degree in biology or related field

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

A physician-scientist led research group in the Division of Rheumatology (https://medresearch.umich.edu/labs-departments/labs/antiphospholipid-syndrome-research-labs) is seeking a full-time technician to participate in translational studies of innate immune function in autoimmune and thrombotic diseases including lupus and antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). This position will require work with both patient-derived samples and clinically relevant mouse models. The overarching goal of the research is to identify more personalized approaches to the treatment of our patients. The successful candidate will work closely with physicians, senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students. Day-to-day training and supervision will be provided by a senior member of the laboratory. Specific responsibilities may be tailored to the successful candidate's prior experience and strengths, as well as the evolving needs of the research program. This could be a wonderful opportunity for someone looking for a collaborative lab experience before pursuing additional education.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments using approaches such as ELISA, cell culture, immunofluorescence microscopy, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer, western blotting, and quantitative PCR.
• Conduct IACUC-approved procedures including basic rodent handling, oral gavage, intraperitoneal injection, blood collection, and dissection (some of our technicians have also developed advanced surgical skills).
• Assist with the development and optimization of experimental protocols.
• Interact with animal facility personnel in support of laboratory organization and compliance.
• Evaluate results and perform routine data analysis.
• Be responsible for the operation of specialized laboratory equipment and assist others with operation and calibration.
• Perform literature searches and analyze content to improve the quality of the research.
• Co-author publications in peer-reviewed literature.

Required Qualifications

Intermediate Level

• Desire and ability to work with a multidisciplinary team of physicians, students, and professional scientists.
• Bachelors degree in biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular or cellular biology, or a related scientific field.
• 4-5 years of hands-on research laboratory experience gained through employment, research training, or substantial undergraduate research.
• Professional demeanor and strong interpersonal skills.
• Able and willing to learn new experimental techniques.

Associate Level

• Bachelors degree in biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular or cellular biology, or a related scientific field.
• 1-3 years experience in a related field

Desired Qualifications

• Masters or other advanced Degree. Experience with mammalian cell culture, flow cytometry, microscopy, and molecular biology techniques such as ELISA, immunoblotting, and qPCR. Experience working with animal models.

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.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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 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.