Research Lab Technician Associate - MCDB - Kramer Lab

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor invites applications for a Research Laboratory Technician Associate. The role supports neurophysiology, molecular biology, and genomics studies focused on neuronal function and disease mechanisms, including neurodegenerative conditions.

The successful candidate will perform and troubleshoot experiments, record data, prepare figures, and contribute to publications while collaborating

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or Associate's degree with 1 year of experience.
• Willing to learn and develop new techniques; strong communication and organizational skills.
• Experience in neuroscience or physiology research preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lab management tasks including placing orders, equipment care, safety dispositions, and inspections.
• Execute immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, fluorescence microscopy, in situ hybridization, and rodent work.
• Record, analyze, and organize data; assist with figures and manuscript preparation.
• Train and assist undergrad/grad students in standard lab procedures.

Skills

Neuroscience

Physiology

Molecular biology

Electrophysiology

Immunohistochemistry

Fluorescence microscopy

In situ hybridization

RNA profiling

Education

High school diploma

Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Cryostat sectioning

RNA transcription profiling

Imaging

Electrophysiology

Job description

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 Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology (MCDB) at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly motivated individual to work as a Research Laboratory Technician Associate. The desired candidate will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator in a laboratory using neurophysiology, molecular biology, and genomics to study molecular mechanisms regulating the function of neurons. These molecular signals are relevant to understanding neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's Disease, as well as the development of neurological disorders like substance use disorder.

Responsibilities

The successful applicant will conduct and troubleshoot experiments, record and analyze the resulting data, and organize research results for publication. This person will also actively participate in lab meetings and must be willing to learn and develop to gain new knowledge and skills, establish new experimental protocols, and contribute to the completion of project goals.

Specific Responsibilities

• Lab management (10%): Placing orders, tending to equipment, safety dispositions, EHS inspections
• Research duties (50%): Execution of various laboratory techniques including but not limited to; immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, live and fixed fluorescence microscopy, in situ hybridization, and small rodent animal work.
• Data collection, analysis, and writing (30%): Data collection, analysis, and writing: Maintain a laboratory notebook documenting research results, generate and analyze experimental results and reports, assist assembling experimental figures and in writing of scientific manuscripts.
• Training (10%): Train and assist undergraduate and graduate students in standard lab procedures as needed. Assist other lab members with their experiments as needed.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or Associate's degree and 1 year of experience. The applicant should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as well as strong organizational and time management skills. Must have previous research experience in neuroscience or physiology. Must be willing to learn and develop new knowledge and skills, establish new experimental protocols, and contribute to the completion of project goals.

Experience with cryostat sectioning, RNA transcription profiling, imaging, electrophysiology, and standard neurophysiology and molecular biology techniques is preferred.

Desired Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a life science discipline and 1-2 years of relevant research experience in a neuroscience or physiology lab is preferred. Experience with cryostat sectioning, RNA transcription profiling, imaging, electrophysiology, and standard neurophysiology and molecular biology techniques is preferred.

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off, including vacation time, sick time, holiday and season days
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

In Addition, LSA Offers

• Strong commitment to work/life balance
• Flexible work arrangements with respect to campus stakeholder needs
• Enhanced tuition support programs for LSA courses

Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.

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 one-year term-limited position with the possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance, availability of work, and availability of funding. The position requires an in-person laboratory presence in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

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.

Under FLSA, incumbents in this position are nonexempt and are eligible for overtime for any hours worked beyond 40 hours per week.

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.