Research Lab Specialist Lead

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Job Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Yunlu Zhu in the Kresge Hearing Research Institute, Department of Otolaryngology-HNS at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly motivated Research Lab Specialist to support an active research program investigating neurons and glia in vestibular function and regeneration.

The Zhu Lab uses zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a vertebrate model system and combines genetics, transgenic animal maintenance, fluorescent screening, confocal imaging, behavioral assays, experimental design, and quantitative analysis to understand the neuronal, glial, and immune mechanisms underlying nervous system regeneration.

The successful candidate will work closely with the principal investigator and will play a central role in daily research operations, experimental execution, and trainee mentorship.

Responsibilities*

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and coordinate daily research operations involving adult and larval zebrafish.
• Maintain, genotype, and manage transgenic zebrafish lines.
• Perform fluorescence screening, confocal microscopy, image analysis, and behavioral assays.
• Design, optimize, and execute experiments in zebrafish genetics, imaging, molecular biology, and neural circuit function.
• Perform techniques including PCR, immunofluorescence, genotyping, and fluorescence microscopy.
• Develop and maintain laboratory protocols, experimental records, and quality control procedures.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety, biosafety, and animal care regulations.
• Train and supervise students, technicians, and other laboratory personnel.
• Assist with manuscripts, grant applications, scientific presentations, and collaborative research projects.

Required Qualifications*

• Ph.D. in Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of postdoctoral or equivalent biomedical research experience.
• Extensive experience with zebrafish as a vertebrate model system, including transgenic line maintenance, embryo and larval handling, screening, genotyping, and experimental manipulation.
• Demonstrated expertise in neurobiology, neural injury and repair, regeneration biology, neuroinflammation, or related biomedical research areas.
• Experience with core molecular and cellular biology techniques, including immunocytochemistry/immunofluorescence, molecular cloning and genotyping.
• Strong record of scientific productivity, including first-author peer-reviewed publications after PhD, and posters and oral conference presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and supervise students, trainees, technicians, or junior researchers.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience developing or optimizing zebrafish models of nervous system injury, repair, or regeneration.
• Expertise in zebrafish neurobiology, CNS injury models, neural regeneration, neuroimmune signaling, and microglia biology.
• Experience with transgenesis, CRISPR/Cas9, RNA-based approaches, quantitative imaging, or functional genomics.
• Experience contributing to manuscripts, grant applications, and collaborations.

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.

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.