Research Laboratory Tech Intermediate/Associate

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement match

Job summary

Michigan Medicine, in the Singer Lab of Pediatric Endocrinology, seeks a Research Laboratory Technician to support obesity and metabolic disease studies. The role involves mouse colony management, molecular assays, and data analysis under PI supervision.

The position requires hands-on lab work, accurate record-keeping, and collaboration with a multidisciplinary team. Training provided; occasional flexible scheduling may be needed.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or associate degree with 1–3 years of mouse experience.
• Molecular and cellular lab techniques including tissue processing, DNA/RNA isolation, microscopy.

Responsibilities

• Manage mouse colony activities: breeding, weaning, identification, genotyping, weighing, diet changes, and record keeping.
• Perform approved mouse procedures including glucose and insulin tolerance tests, tissue collection, and euthanasia.
• Conduct DNA/RNA isolation, PCR/qPCR, ELISA, and assist flow cytometry staining, microscopy, and cell culture.
• Analyze data from metabolic tests and dietary studies using established methods.
• Maintain complete experimental records, protocols and sample inventories; assist with graphing and statistics.
• Prepare reagents, maintain clean workspaces, and assist with autoclaving and inventory.
• Communicate progress and contribute figures for manuscripts and grants; support collaborative studies.
• Coordinate scheduling with Lab Manager and project leads; train students as needed.

Skills

Mouse handling

Laboratory techniques

Record keeping

Independent work

Communication

Education

High school diploma or Associate's degree

Bachelor's degree in basic sciences

Tools

PCR/qPCR

ELISA

Flow cytometry staining

Microscopy

DNA/RNA isolation

Cell culture

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

The Singer Lab in Pediatric Endocrinology seeks a Research Laboratory Technician to support studies of obesity and metabolic disease. The Technician performs routine animal and laboratory procedures under the scientific direction of the PI and designated project leads and coordinates schedules, resources, and coverage with the Lab Manager.

Responsibilities

• Perform assigned mouse colony activities, including breeding, weaning, identification, genotyping, weighing, diet changes, maintaining diet-induced obesity cohorts, and record keeping; communicate updates and animal-health concerns promptly
• Perform approved mouse procedures, including glucose and insulin tolerance tests, euthanasia, tissue collection, and sample processing following training
• Perform laboratory methods including DNA/RNA isolation, cDNA preparation, PCR/qPCR, ELISA, help with flow cytometry staining, microscopy, and cell culture
• Perform testing and analysis of data from metabolic challenge tests, surveys, dietary recalls, and immune-marker studies resulting from clinical visits, using established methods under scientific direction
• Maintain complete experimental records, protocols, and sample inventories; collect and review data for quality and perform graphing and statistical analysis using methods specified by scientific project leads
• Prepare reagents, maintain clean workspaces, and assist with dishwashing, autoclaving, restocking, inventories, and other shared laboratory duties
• Communicate experimental progress and technical problems; contribute methods, figures, and data summaries for manuscripts and grants and support collaborative studies
• Coordinate experimental scheduling and technical backup with the Lab Manager and project leads; support student training within demonstrated proficiency and follow all research, safety, and animal-care requirements

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or associate degree and 1 to 3 years of related experience working with laboratory mice in the research of obesity and metabolic disorders
• Experience with molecular and cellular laboratory techniques, including cell and tissue processing, tissue sectioning, DNA/RNA isolation, and microscopy
• Accurate record keeping, attention to detail, and ability to follow protocols, organize daily work, and communicate effectively
• Ability to work independently after training and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted, including relevant undergraduate or graduate student research experience

Associate Requirements

• High school diploma or Associate's degree
• 1 year of experience

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in basic sciences or a related field
• Experience with mouse metabolic studies, tissue harvests, cell culture, PCR/qPCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, or imaging
• Experience handling human blood or other clinical samples, analyzing research data, or preparing and analyzing RNA-sequencing samples

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.

Work Schedule

Experimental schedules may require a flexible work schedule that includes occasional evening or weekend work and extended workdays for time-sensitive procedures. Coverage is coordinated with the PI and laboratory team.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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.