Research Lab Tech Intermediate/Associate

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Medicine seeks a dedicated Research Lab Technician to join the Al-Holou lab within the University of Michigan Medical School. The role centers on general lab management and contributing as a research assistant on brain cancer projects, with emphasis on translational research and experimental workflows.

The candidate should have a BS in Neuroscience or Biology (strongly preferred) or a related field and at least one year of lab experience.

Qualifications

• High School diploma with 1 year of lab experience.
• BS in Neuroscience, Biology, or related field strongly preferred.
• Experience including cell culture, PCR, protein measurement (ELISA/Western Blot), in vivo experiments, tissue processing and cutting, immunofluorescence.

Responsibilities

• Perform daily lab inspections and maintain storage, waste disposal, and tissue culture areas.
• Coordinate routine maintenance of lab equipment and manage inventory and supplies.
• Ensure compliance with university, state, and federal lab safety regulations and documentation.
• Maintain lab records, training, and safety compliance; prepare for inspections.
• Support data collection, tissue culture, tumor sample handling, and tissue processing for research projects.
• Attend weekly lab meetings and discuss methodologies with the PI and team.

Skills

Lab experience

Teamwork

Communication

Initiative

Education

BS in Neuroscience or Biology

High School diploma

Tools

Tissue culture techniques

PCR

Immunofluorescence

In vivo methods

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

We are looking for a passionate and ambitious individual for a full-time Research Lab Technician position in the Al-Holou lab, a brain tumor research laboratory in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Michigan Medical School. The applicant will participate in general laboratory management along with the majority of their time as a research assistant on projects on brain cancer basic/ translational research.

Responsibilities

Management Duties

• Perform daily lab inspections (including storage space, waste disposal, and tissue culture area)
• Coordinate routine maintenance of lab equipment (pipette, thermal cycle, centrifuge, freezer, fridge, tissue culture hood)
• Routinely monitor lab inventory, organize and order supplies, and assist in financials
• Ensure the lab remains in compliance with the university, state, and federal laboratory safety regulations
• Manage biosafety protocol, animal protocol, and material transfer agreement
• Establish and maintain efficient communication workflows using on-site and online systems (including sign-up sheet, Google doc, Trello, and lab website)
• Train lab members in general experimental techniques and procedures
• Schedule meetings and activities
• Communicate with sales representatives as needed for supply/equipment acquisition
• Maintain lab records (including training, inventory, and safety regulations)
• Maintain accurate chemical inventory in compliance with University standards
• Prepare for annual inspections

Research Duties

• Support conducting research projects
• Assist in data collection
• Perform tissue culture
• Collect tumor samples, collate samples, and perform tissue processing, embedding, cutting, and staining
• Perform in vivo experiments
• Maintain detailed records of all experiments and data
• Attend weekly lab meetings
• Interpret and implement research methodology with PI supervision
• Read scientific articles to discuss with lab members

Required Qualifications

• A High School degree with 1 year of previous lab experience
• A BS degree in Neuroscience, Biology, or a related field is strongly preferred
• Previous research assistant experience, research experience including cell culture, PCR, protein measurement, such as ELISA and Western Blot, in vivo experiments, tissue processing and cutting, immunofluorescence

Experience In Training Other Personnel

Skill to organize schedules and processes, communicate clearly and effectively, take initiative, remain self-motivated, prioritize tasks, coordinate a small team, and delegate tasks, work in a team, positive attitude, compassion, and willingness to learn

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.

Additional Information

Position will be full-time for 1 year with possibility of renewal based on grant funding.

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.