Research Lab Specialist Senior

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental and vision

2:1 retirement match

Job summary

Michigan Medicine seeks a Research Laboratory Specialist Sr to advance a brain tumor biology project. The role involves in vivo/in vitro experiments, tumor sample handling, and translational study development under senior investigators at the University of Michigan Medical School.

The candidate will supervise junior staff, contribute to manuscripts, and help with regulatory submissions while collaborating with cross-disciplinary teams in neuroscience and developmental biology.

Qualifications

• Master or PhD in Molecular Biology or related field.
• At least 5 years of cancer biology research with strong publications.
• Experience operating complex imaging systems (confocal, IVIS) and flow cytometers with sorting.
• Experience in DNA repair biology, radiation therapy, and preclinical translational research.
• Experience supervising and training junior lab members.
• Experience in writing highly competitive grants.

Responsibilities

• Perform highly complex in vivo/in vitro experiments under supervision of PIs.
• Collect/process tumor samples, analyze data, and help develop procedures.
• Characterize, QC, archive and distribute genetically engineered cells, gene therapy vectors and plasmids; validate and deposit plasmids in a national repository.
• Conduct statistical calculations and prepare figures for manuscripts; assist with FDA submissions and INDs.
• Mentor and train junior lab members and rotate students in routine lab techniques.
• Contribute to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and attendance at national meetings.

Skills

Supervision & mentoring

Grant writing

Data analysis

Statistical analysis

Education

Master or PhD in Molecular Biology

Tools

Confocal microscope

IVIS bioluminescence imaging

Flow cytometry with sorting

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 Research Laboratory Specialist Sr position is available in the Department of Neurosurgery and the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan Medical School. The goal of our research program is to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in brain tumor formation, and the role of specific signaling pathways and stem cells in tumor progression and resistance to therapies. The project also involves cancer cell genome-editing technologies, epigenetics, whole cancer genome sequencing, bioinformatics analysis and DNA repair mechanisms. This project has a strong translational component to develop and implement novel therapeutic strategies in human clinical trials for brain cancer.

Responsibilities

The Research Laboratory Senior will perform highly complex experimental procedures in one or more areas of work under the supervision of the Principal Investigators and/or higher-level research staff. He/she will be required to conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments, collect and process tumor samples, collect and analyze data, and assist in developing new and/or specialized research methodologies. The successful applicant will be responsible for the characterization, quality control, archiving and National and International distribution to collaborators, of genetically engineered cell systems, gene therapy vectors and plasmids. Plasmids will also need to be validated and after careful quality control, deposited in a national plasmid repository that will distribute them to Universities and other scientific organizations on our behalf. They will also be required to perform complex statistical calculations and data analysis, prepare PowerPoint presentations and figures for manuscripts, perform library research on specified topics and prepare bibliographies, assist with FDA submissions, IND and patent submission preparation. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to preparation and updating of regulatory protocols and revisions (i.e. animal/IBC protocols, IACUC, EHS, etc).

Also, he/she will assist in the supervision and training of junior lab members (e.g. undergraduate students, junior graduate and rotation students and/or junior technicians) in routine lab techniques and lab safety.

Our laboratories offer state-of-the-art facilities and a very productive and exciting research environment. The individual will be a key member of the Lowenstein-Castro Research Team and will work closely with the PIs. There will be opportunities to participate in assembling manuscripts, participate in grant writing and attending national meetings to present the project data resulting from the work performed.

Required Qualifications

• Master or PhD in a field related to Molecular Biology
• 5 years of experience in the field of cancer biology, with an excellent record of scientific publications.
• Experience operating complex imaging systems, including confocal microscopes and IVIS bioluminescence spectrum machines, as well as flow cyometers with sorting is required.
• Experience with DNA repair molecular biology, radiation therapy and preclinical translational research required.
• Experience in supervision and training of junior lab members required.
• Experience in writing highly competitive grants.

Desired Qualifications

• Proven experience presenting in highly renowned national and international scientific conferences is preferred.
• Experience in immunology preferred.

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 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.