Research Lab Technician Lead

University Of Michigan; Michigan; On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental, and vision

2:1 retirement match

Job summary

University of Michigan is seeking a lab-based researcher to support cardiovascular projects aiming to develop new treatments for cardiomyopathies. The role involves molecular biology, iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, CRISPR-related work, and live-cell imaging in a team environment.

You will perform DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/genotyping, and cell culture, with training provided for specialized substrate fabrication and imaging workflows. Collaborative teamwork and meticulous record-keeping are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field and at least 1 year of laboratory experience.
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR and genotyping.
• Ability to perform precise fine motor manipulations of engineered substrates; training provided.
• Excellent organizational skills, meticulous notes, strong English communication, and teamwork.
• Minimum 2-year commitment requested.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular biology assays: DNA/RNA extraction, genotyping, PCR, gels, and qRT-PCR.
• Generate cardiomyocyte tissues and perform microscopy on engineered substrates for live imaging.
• Live-cell microscopy, immunostaining and image analysis using lab pipelines.
• Laboratory maintenance: ordering, restocking, waste disposal, and dishwashing.
• Back-up other lab roles, including iPSC culture and mouse colony maintenance.
• Coordinate with team; participate in weekly lab meetings.

Skills

Molecular biology

PCR

Genotyping

Cell culture

Microscopy

Fine motor skills

Organizational skills

English proficiency

Team player

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

1 year laboratory experience

Tools

CRISPR technologies

PCR/qRT-PCR equipment

Immunostaining

Live-cell microscopy

Job description

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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

Work under the direction of an investigator in cardiovascular research to achieve the goals of a sponsored project in a laboratory setting. The overall goal of the project is to develop new treatments for patients with heart muscle disorders (primarily hypertrophic, arrhythmogenic, and other types of inherited cardiomyopathy). These disorders are a cause of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death in both children and adults. The lab uses a range of model systems to better understand these conditions and to develop and test treatments. In particular, we use human cardiomyocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC). We engineer these cell lines with CRISPR technologies and are testing gene therapy and other approaches. These projects involve a significant amount of molecular biology, cloning, cell culture, and microscopy.

This position will be responsible for 1) performing molecular biology techniques, including cloning, biochemical assays, PCR, RNA/DNA extractions, etc., 2) performing cardiomyocyte cell culture techniques, including re-plating cardiomyocytes onto engineered substrates for subsequent live cell microscopy, 3) performing microscopic analyses both for live cardiomyocyte tissues and for fixed immunofluorescence quantifications. The position will include some back-up responsibilities for other roles in the lab, mouse colony handling and regular iPSC culture.

Responsibilities*

• (~30%) Perform molecular biology assays, including DNA extraction, RNA extraction, genotyping, PCR, gel electrophoresis, biochemical assays, recombinant DNA cloning, and qRT-PCR.
• (~30%) Generate cardiomyocyte tissues and perform microscopy on these cardiac tissues ? these experiments will include culture of iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, delivery of viral vectors and treatments, and fabrication of engineered substrates for tissues.
• (~20%) Perform live cell microscopy of human cardiac tissues, immunostaining and imaging of fixed cardiac tissues, subsequent image analysis and quantification using standardized pipelines developed in the lab.
• (~10%) Routine laboratory maintenance including ordering and restocking, biohazard waste autoclaving and disposal, and dishwashing.
• (~5%) Back-up other positions in the lab, including routine iPSC culture and mouse colony maintenance.
• (~5%) Regularly communicate and coordinate with other team members to perform experiments in mouse models. Participate in weekly lab meetings.

Required Qualifications*

• The applicant should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a biological or related field. At least 1 year of prior laboratory experience is required.
• Prior experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR and genotyping techniques, is required.
• Ability to perform precise fine motor manipulations of engineered substrates is required (although no specific experience with these fabrications is required as training in the techniques will be provided).
• Other requirements include excellent organizational skills, perseverance, the ability to keep detailed notes, meticulous attention to details, excellent verbal and written English language skills, and an eagerness to work as an integrated team player which may include teaching rotating students and fellows. The applicant must demonstrate strong motivation and work ethic to master new skills.
• A minimum 2-year commitment is also requested.

Desired Qualifications*

• Both a CV and a cover letter including the candidate's background and goals in taking this position is encouraged with the application.
• Cell culture and/or microscopy experience are desired but not mandatory (training in all of the above techniques will be given).

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 30,000employees 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 .

Additional Information

The work schedule will be standard business hours Monday through Friday. Flexible hours for covering on 1-2 half weekend days per month if needed for cell culture and experimental protocols. Location is on-site only (medical research campus).

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 maybegin as early as the eighth day after posting.Thisopening 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.