Research Lab Specialist Inter

Summary

A Research Lab Specialist position is available in the translational research laboratory of Dr. Vinay Aakalu in the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in the Kellogg Eye Center at the University of Michigan, Michigan Medicine in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Dr. Aakalu is an oculoplastics surgeon with research studying the biology of and therapeutic approaches to corneal and related wound healing and to lacrimal cell biology and lacrimal gland processes, thyroid eye disease, Niemann-Pick and related disease development and treatment. Our lab utilizes various cutting-edge techniques such as confocal microscopy, transcriptomics, proteomics, animal models of disease, cell/tissue culture models, and numerous molecular biology techniques to study how epithelia and immune components interact with potential therapeutics in various models of health and disease.

We are seeking a commitment from a highly-motivated individual who desires to contribute to research in a team based environment that involves collaborations with a variety of basic and clinical scientific experts. The candidate should have outstanding organizational skills, reliability and ability to multi-task between wet lab work and regulatory/written tasks. The candidate should show enthusiasm to participate in collaborative efforts with other research groups, work well in a team, and have a strong ability to multitask. Applicants with a background in state-of-the-art approaches (e.g., omics-techniques, microscopy, bioinformatics,) epithelial biology, cholesterol biology, neurodegeneration, ophthalmic biology and immune signaling pathways are strongly encouraged to apply.

Interested individuals should submit a cover letter, CV, and names and contact information of at least two references.

Interested individuals should reach out to Dr. Sebastian Werneburg at wernebur@umich.edu.

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*

Under the supervision of the Principal Investigator or designee, the Research Laboratory Specialist, performs a variety of specimen preparatory techniques, wet and dry lab data collection, protocol and report development and writing and submission, organization and routine laboratory maintenance.

• Perform a variety of laboratory experiments using both routine and special techniques and methods
• Assist with rodent handling and maintenance and animal experiments
• Assist in more complex laboratory tasks
• Collect, analyze, and process laboratory samples
• Record results, organize data, and perform computations
• Compile and analyze data. Perform computations using image analysis software, spreadsheets, graphing, and curve fitting software
• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment
• Comply with all safety and infection control standards. Take leadership in maintenance of laboratory protocol and regulatory protocol compliance and development per university standards
• Assist in writing the text of scientific publications and grants. Review literature.
• Train new laboratory personnel, students, and collaborators
• Design and execute protocols and experiments, modify protocols as needed, and may be responsible for own research assays and data collection
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Science or equivalent experience, Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree preferred
• 4-5 years of experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Ability to perform duties independently Strong ability to analyze complex visual data in a quantitative and objective manner
• Judgment and action skills required to solve commonly encountered problems

Desired Qualifications*

Previous experience working in rodent models, histological preparation of tissues, microscopy, and basic wet lab techniques including molecular biology and biochemistry is preferred. Experience with grant, publication, protocol, regulatory protocol writing and maintenance desired.

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.