Research Lab Specialist Inter

Research Lab Specialist Intermediate

The laboratory of Dr. Dawen Cai in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan is seeking a highly motivated Research Lab Specialist Intermediate to support cutting-edge neuroscience research focused on developing novel technologies for neural circuit mapping, advanced imaging, and single-cell profiling. The successful candidate will contribute to multidisciplinary projects investigating brain function and neural circuitry through a combination of animal studies, molecular and cellular techniques, histological analyses, and computational approaches.

This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative research environment at the intersection of neuroscience, genetics, imaging, and bioinformatics. The Research Lab Specialist Intermediate will be responsible for conducting independent experiments, surgical procedures, and behavioral studies; processing tissue samples; analyzing transcriptomic datasets; and contributing to laboratory operations and research publications.

The Research Lab Specialist Intermediate will conduct and support a variety of research activities related to the study of neural circuits, brain function, and the development of novel neuroscience technologies. Responsibilities include performing and assisting with in vivo mouse studies, including behavioral experiments and stereotaxic surgical procedures such as cranial injections. The individual will collect, process, and analyze experimental data, maintain detailed research records, and contribute to the design, optimization, and execution of laboratory protocols.

The position will also involve histological and imaging-related work, including preparation of brain tissue samples, cryostat or vibratome sectioning, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining, and microscopy-based imaging and analysis. The successful candidate will support projects focused on neural circuit mapping and other advanced neuroscience applications.

The individual will also assist with the processing and analysis of transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing datasets using bioinformatics and computational tools. Responsibilities include organizing and managing large biological datasets, performing data analyses, and preparing figures, summaries, and reports to support manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications.

The Research Lab Specialist Intermediate will contribute to the overall operation of the laboratory by maintaining equipment and supplies, assisting with ordering and inventory management, training and mentoring students and new laboratory members as appropriate, participating in laboratory meetings and collaborative research discussions, and contributing to the preparation of scientific publications and presentations.

Requirements include: excellent written and verbal communication skills, along with strong interpersonal abilities to contribute to a collaborative team environment. A Bachelor's Degree in neuroscience or a related field is required, with 4-5 years of experience. A Master's Degree or Doctoral Degree preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with mouse behavioral studies and rodent handling.
• Experience performing stereotaxic surgeries and cranial injections.
• Proficiency in histological techniques, including tissue sectioning and immunohistochemistry.
• Familiarity with transcriptomic data analysis, RNA-sequencing, or single-cell sequencing datasets.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced research environment.

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