Research Laboratory Technician Associate

Michigan Medicine; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan Medicine's Isom Laboratory in the Pharmacology Department at the University of Michigan Medical School seeks an entry-level Research Laboratory Technician to support essential cellular and electrophysiological research and day-to-day lab operations.

You will culture mammalian cells, prepare solutions, assist with electrophysiology, collect data, maintain records, and collaborate with faculty and staff while following biosafety policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Basic understanding of cell biology and lab practices.
• Experience with solution preparation, including concentration and dilution calculations.
• Familiarity with data collection and basic quantitative analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow protocols and maintain accurate research records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to learn cell culture and electrophysiology techniques.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using established sterile techniques.
• Prepare solutions according to established protocols.
• Calculate concentrations, dilutions, and solution volumes accurately.
• Assist with basic electrophysiology experiments.
• Prepare cells, tissues, electrodes and recording equipment.
• Perform electrophysiological recordings under supervision.
• Organize and analyze electrophysiology data using software.
• Maintain lab records and track samples.
• Support inventory management and ordering.
• Follow biosafety and chemical hygiene policies.
• Communicate progress at lab meetings.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Cell biology basics

Data collection & analysis

Record-keeping

Written & verbal communication

Independent & collaborative work

Willingness to learn lab techniques

Attention to detail

Laboratory safety procedures

Solution preparation

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology or related field

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

Isom Laboratory, Pharmacology Department, University of Michigan Medical School is seeking a motivated, dependable, and detail-oriented entry-level Research Laboratory Technician to support a biomedical research laboratory. The technician will assist with routine cell culture, laboratory solution preparation, basic electrophysiology experiments, and preliminary data analysis. This position is well suited for a recent graduate who wants hands‑on research experience and training in cellular and electrophysiological techniques. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of faculty members and senior laboratory personnel while contributing to the laboratory's day‑to‑day operations and research objectives.

Responsibilities*

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using established sterile techniques.
• Perform routine cell-culture activities, including:
• Preparation of culture media
• Cell feeding and maintenance
• Passaging and counting cells
• Freezing and thawing cell stocks
• Monitoring cultures for health and contamination
• Prepare solutions according to established protocols.
• Calculate concentrations, dilutions, and solution volumes accurately.
• Assist with basic electrophysiology experiments, including preparation of cells, tissues, electrodes, solutions, and recording equipment.
• Perform electrophysiological recordings under supervision using established laboratory protocols.
• Organize, process, and conduct preliminary analysis of electrophysiology and other experimental data using laboratory software.
• Maintain complete and accurate electronic or paper laboratory records.
• Label, organize, and track samples, reagents, and experimental materials.
• Clean, maintain, and troubleshoot basic laboratory equipment.
• Support inventory management and ordering of laboratory supplies.
• Follow laboratory safety procedures, institutional requirements, and applicable biosafety and chemical-hygiene policies.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and communicate experimental progress and technical issues.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned.

What You'll Do

This position involves work in a biomedical research laboratory and may require prolonged periods of sitting or standing, repetitive fine‑motor tasks, and the use of standard laboratory equipment. The technician may work with biological materials and laboratory chemicals while following required safety procedures. Occasional scheduling flexibility may be needed based on experimental timelines.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in biology, General Natural Sciences or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and laboratory experience.
• Basic understanding of cell biology and laboratory practices.
• Experience with basic solution preparation, including concentration and dilution calculations, gained through coursework or laboratory experience.
• Familiarity with data collection and basic quantitative analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow written protocols and verbal instructions.
• Ability to maintain accurate and reproducible research records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Willingness to learn cell‑culture and electrophysiology techniques.

In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.

Desired Qualifications*

• Previous experience with mammalian cell culture or aseptic technique.
• Experience using data‑analysis software such as Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, MATLAB, Python, or similar programs.
• Familiarity with basic statistical analysis and graphical presentation of data.
• Previous research experience in an academic or biomedical laboratory.

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

How You'll Grow

The selected candidate will receive training appropriate to their experience level in:

• Laboratory‑specific cell‑culture procedures
• Preparation and quality control of experimental solutions
• Electrophysiology equipment setup and operation
• Experimental recording and troubleshootingata organization, analysis, and presentation
• Laboratory safety, biosafety, and responsible conduct of research

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

NOTE: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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 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.