Lab Specialist

Job Summary

The Department of Emergency Medicine is searching for a highly motivated Research Specialist to join the VanEpps Lab. Our research focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of life threatening infection with special emphasis on medical device infections. Our work is highly team oriented and involves collaborations with laboratories in the Medical School, Dental School, Pharmacology, and College of Engineering. Our work includes in vitro, in vivo small and large animal, and clinical research. Projects in the laboratory involve biosafety level 2 work with bacterial pathogens, molecular biology, microscopy, handling of small and large laboratory animals, and human specimens. The applicant will work closely with the PI and other research staff in an established laboratory at NCRC as well as the University Hospital for data collection

Responsibilities*

Laboratory experiments will include the following techniques: Maintaining and documenting lab safety, general lab maintenance, working with lab animals including survival surgery and necropsy, autoclaving, preparation of stock solutions and sterile instruments, bacterial and mammalian cell culture, running molecular assays (PCR, microscopy, etc), and collecting data from animals and human patients. Maintain custom, sensitive laboratory equipment. Participation in lab meetings, data presentation, and manuscript prepartion are expected.  Must work effectively in a team setting where there are dynamic changes in project level responsibilities, be able to communicate well, and keep clear records in both paper and electronic forms.  Specific skills that are necessary also include ability to input and analyze data using common software programs.  Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree
• Excellent data management and analytic skills.

Intermediate level:

• Minimum 4 years experience working in biology or biomedical engineering research that includes animal studies involving survival surgery

Associate level: 

• Minimum 2 years experience working in biology or biomedical engineering research that includes animal studies involving survival surgery

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's degree in molecular biology, microbiology, biochemisty, biology, chemistry, engineering or related scientific degree
• 3 years of experience in a research laboratory with ongoing animal research that includes survival surgery.
• Previous experience with mammalian cell culture, bacterial culture, RNA isolation, PCR, lab animals, patient data collection, and microscopy.
• Excellent organizational, data management, analytical, time management skills, and strong enthusiasm for developing new skills and expertise.
• Experience submitting and maintaining IACUC protocols and working with controlled substances.

Work Schedule

Generally, full-time onsite at NCRC Monday thru Friday.  However, there is flexible scheduling with potential for evening and weekend work based on the type of study to be performed.

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.

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/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.