Research Lab Specialist Inter

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The DYNAMED Laboratory (dynamed.bme.umich.edu) at the University of Michigan lead by Dr. Alexandra Piotrowski-Daspit is seeking a highly organized and enthusiastic individual for the Research Laboratory Specialist Intermediate position. The selected candidate will support Dr. Piotrowski-Daspit's research program and work closely with members of the laboratory on an NIH funded project focused on developing polymeric drug delivery vehicles for genetic diseases including cystic fibrosis. The responsibilities of this role are to assist in managing various aspects of the project including training other laboratory members, formulating delivery vehicles, conducting experiments (including work with vertebrate animals (rodents)), performing data analysis, and eventually working with Dr. Piotrowski-Daspit to prepare manuscripts. Ideally, this role will be filled by an individual experienced in and drug/nucleic acid delivery and work with animal models (rodents). This position offers opportunities to learn cutting-edge techniques as well as opportunities for career development including manuscript and grant proposal preparation, presentations at scientific conferences, mentorship, etc.

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.

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

Responsibilities*

• Take a leading role and work closely with the PI in the development and implementation of this research program.
• Provide technical support for research projects including nanoparticle formulation, mammalian cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and animal procedures.
• Prepare research findings for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals or presentations at scientific conferences.
• Meet with the research team regularly to share research progress and inspire new ideas during group brainstorming.
• Train incoming laboratory members working on this project on experimental procedures.
• Record all information, daily, in an official electronic laboratory notebook.

Required Qualifications*

• BS or MS, preferably in biomedical/chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• 4+ years of related experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Exceptional work ethic.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal), organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Familiarity with the operation of basic laboratory equipment including chemical fume hoods and biosafety cabinets.
• Willingness to learn new techniques.

Desired Qualifications*

• History of authorship on publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience with flow cytometry, microscopy, histology/immunohistochemistry, mammalian cell culture, polymer chemistry/materials science, quantitative analysis techniques using computer programming.
• Lab experience leading projects, initiating new areas of research, and organizing teams of researchers.
• 5+ years of prior research laboratory experience is preferred but not required.

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.

This is an onsite position-5 days per week.

Additional Information

• This is a one-year term-limited position with the possibility of extension based upon 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

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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.