Research Lab Tech Intermediate Term-Limited

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Job Summary

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, provide advanced technical and operational support to a translational research laboratory focused on pediatric neuro-oncology. Independently perform specialized laboratory and animal research procedures, oversee laboratory operations, contribute to experimental design and data interpretation, and provide training and functional supervision to junior research personnel.

Responsibilities*

• Independently implement specialized laboratory and animal research procedures, including:

• Perform orthotopic (intracranial) tumor implantation, flank tumor implantation, and in utero electroporation surgeries in mouse models.

• Train and supervise laboratory personnel in animal handling, surgical techniques, tumor implantation, monitoring, and end-of-study procedures.

• Serve as the laboratory's primary liaison with ULAM and veterinary staff to coordinate animal protocols, colony management, regulatory compliance, and veterinary care.

• Manage daily laboratory operations, including:

• Coordinate laboratory supply ordering, inventory management, equipment maintenance, laboratory organization, and record keeping.

• Schedule and coordinate undergraduate student activities and assist with laboratory personnel scheduling.

• Maintain laboratory regulatory documentation, standard operating procedures, and ensure compliance with institutional policies.

• Participate in the development and optimization of research methods and recommend improvements to experimental design and laboratory workflows.

• Collaborate with and provide technical support to laboratory members on independent research projects.

• Independently contribute to the preparation of manuscripts, grant applications, technical reports, and other scholarly products related to laboratory research.

• Recommend and implement appropriate technical approaches to address scientific questions.

• Maintain accurate, detailed, and well-organized laboratory records and experimental documentation.

• Participate actively in laboratory meetings, project discussions, and scientific presentations.

• Interact with collaborators to communicate experimental findings, assist with data interpretation, and coordinate collaborative studies.

• Communicate experimental results and technical recommendations to members of the research team.

• Train research personnel in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, experimental procedures, and best laboratory practices, including proper operation, capabilities, and limitations of specialized equipment.

Required Qualifications*

• HS diploma or Assoc Degree.
• Two years of directly related laboratory experience.
• Strong organizational skills and exceptional work ethic in a fast-paced research environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present experimental methods and results.
• Working knowledge of molecular biology, cell biology, microbiology, and immunology principles.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism, and standard laboratory software.
• Experience maintaining laboratory instrumentation and troubleshooting routine equipment issues.
• Demonstrated proficiency in laboratory record keeping and documentation.
• Extensive experience with mammalian cell culture and conducting research in a BSL-2 laboratory environment.
• Demonstrated experience performing cellular, molecular, and biochemical assays, including drug screening experiments.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with murine cancer models, including orthotopic (intracranial) tumor implantation and other survival surgeries.
• Bachelors of Masters degree in a biological, biomedical, or related scientific discipline.
• Three to five years of progressive responsibility of laboratory research experience.
• Familiarity with University research administration policies, animal protocols, and laboratory compliance requirements.
• Hands-on experience with immunological, biochemical, and molecular biology techniques, including primary cell isolation, quantitative PCR (qPCR), molecular cloning, protein expression analysis, ELISA, Western blotting, flow cytometry, and cellular or biochemical screening assays.
• Experience with bioinformatics and computational analysis, including programming in R and/or Python.

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

This is a term-limited appointment ending in September 2027, with the possibility to extend based on the need and funding. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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.