Senior Transgenic Tools & Spatial-Omics Lead

University of Michigan; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cai Laboratory at the University of Michigan Medical School seeks a Research Laboratory Specialist Senior to lead development of transgenic tools and spatial-omics technologies for mapping mouse neural circuits. The lab builds multicolor labeling with Bitbow to resolve neuronal identity, morphology, and connectivity at scale.

The Specialist will design, validate Bitbow transgenic lines and multiplexed spatial assays co-profiling mRNA and protein in the same tissue.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, molecular biology, biology, or a related field.
• 5–6 years of related research experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning and transgenic mouse lines.
• Hands-on experience with multiplexed tissue labeling methods and fluorescence microscopy.
• Experience designing and executing complex experiments and analyzing large datasets.
• Supervisory experience, including training and mentoring junior lab members.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and validate novel Bitbow transgenic tools for multicolor labeling and lineage tracing in the mouse nervous system.
• Develop and optimize spatial-omics assays that co-detect mRNA transcripts and protein antigens in the same sample.
• Plan and conduct large, complex experiments, troubleshoot methods, and improve assay quality and throughput.
• Coordinate data collection, quality control, and analysis of large imaging and spatial datasets.
• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment, reagents, and mouse colony management.
• Train and supervise graduate students, undergraduates, and research staff; assist PI with managing resources and budgets.
• Co-author manuscripts, present findings at lab meetings and conferences, and contribute to grant progress reports.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience or related field

PhD preferred

Tools

Python

MATLAB

ImageJ/Fiji

Fluorescence microscopy

Job description

The Cai Laboratory at the University of Michigan Medical School seeks a Research Laboratory Specialist Senior to lead development of transgenic tools and spatial-omics technologies for mapping mouse neural circuits. The lab builds multicolor labeling with Bitbow to resolve neuronal identity, morphology, and connectivity at scale.

The Specialist will design, validate Bitbow transgenic lines and multiplexed spatial assays co-profiling mRNA and protein in the same tissue.