Research Lab Specialist Senior

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cai Laboratory at the University of Michigan Medical School seeks a Research Laboratory Specialist Senior to lead Bitbow transgenic tool development and multiplexed spatial-omics for mapping mouse neural circuits. The role includes designing experiments, training staff, and contributing to publications and grants.

You will coordinate large projects, supervise juniors, manage lab operations, and work with collaborators to advance shared objectives while presenting findings at meetings and

Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and teamwork.
• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, molecular biology, biology, or related field with 5–6 years of research experience.
• Expertise in molecular cloning and transgenic mouse lines.
• Hands-on multiplexed tissue labeling methods and fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience designing and executing complex experiments and analyzing large datasets.
• Supervisory experience training and mentoring junior lab members.
• PhD in neuroscience or related field preferred with postdoctoral experience.
• Experience in spatial transcriptomics or spatial proteomics assays.
• Familiarity with Brainbow/Bitbow labeling strategies.
• Imaging methods (confocal, light-sheet, expansion) and analysis (Python, MATLAB, ImageJ).
• Strong scientific productivity and grant-writing experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of Bitbow transgenic tools for multicolor labeling and lineage tracing in mouse nervous system.
• Develop and optimize spatial-omics assays co-detecting mRNA and proteins in same sample.
• Plan and conduct large, complex experiments; troubleshoot and improve assays.
• Coordinate data collection, quality control, and analysis of large imaging datasets.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations, equipment, reagents, mouse colony, safety, and compliance.
• Train and supervise graduate students, undergraduates, and staff; assist PI with resources and budgeting.
• Collaborate with core facilities and other departments; co-author manuscripts and present findings.

Skills

Communication skills

Molecular cloning

Multiplexed labeling

Fluorescence microscopy

Independent experimental design

Supervisory experience

Spatial transcriptomics/proteomics

Bitbow familiarity

Advanced imaging

Publications

Grant applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience / related field

PhD in neuroscience / related field (preferred)

Job description

Job Summary

The Cai Laboratory in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan Medical School seeks a Research Laboratory Specialist Senior to lead the development of transgenic tools and spatial-omics technologies for mapping mouse neural circuits. The lab builds multicolor labeling and imaging approaches, including Bitbow, to resolve neuronal identity, morphology, and connectivity at scale. This position will drive the design and validation of new Bitbow transgenic lines and multiplexed spatial assays that co-profile mRNA and protein antigens within the same tissue sample. Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Specialist will independently conduct complex research projects, oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, train and supervise junior lab personnel, and contribute to publications, presentations, and grant applications.

Responsibilities

The Research Laboratory Specialist Senior will design, develop, and validate novel Bitbow transgenic tools for multicolor labeling and lineage and circuit tracing in the mouse nervous system. They will also develop and optimize spatial-omics assays that co-detect mRNA transcripts and protein antigens in the same sample, combining multiplexed in situ hybridization, immunolabeling, and high-resolution imaging. The Specialist will plan and conduct large, complex experiments, evaluate results, troubleshoot methods, and make improvements to assay quality and throughput. They will coordinate data collection, quality control, and analysis of large imaging and spatial datasets, and use the results to refine experimental approaches. The Specialist will oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment, protocols, reagent and supply management, mouse colony coordination, and safety and compliance. They will train and supervise graduate students, undergraduates, and research staff in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis, and assist the Principal Investigator with managing project resources, monitoring budgets, and purchasing. As a liaison with collaborators, core facilities, and other departments and institutions, the Specialist will help advance the lab's shared projects. They will also co-author manuscripts, present findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to grant applications and progress reports.

Required Qualifications

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills contributing to a strong team environment are required.
• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, molecular biology, biology, or a related field, plus 5-6 years of related research experience (an equivalent combination of advanced degree and experience will be considered)
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning and generation or characterization of transgenic mouse lines
• Hands-on experience with multiplexed tissue labeling methods (e.g., in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry) and fluorescence microscopy
• Experience independently designing and executing complex experiments and analyzing large datasets
• Supervisory experience, including training and mentoring junior lab members

Desired Qualifications

• PhD in neuroscience, molecular/cell biology, or a related field, with postdoctoral research experience
• Experience developing spatial transcriptomics or spatial proteomics assays, especially approaches that co-profile mRNA and protein in the same sample
• Familiarity with Brainbow/Bitbow or other multicolor labeling and barcoding strategies
• Experience with advanced imaging methods (e.g., confocal, light-sheet, or expansion microscopy) and computational image analysis (Python, MATLAB, ImageJ/Fiji)
• Strong record of scientific productivity, as shown by publications or presentations
• Experience contributing to grant applications and collaborative, multi-institutional projects

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.