Research Lab Specialist Inter

Research Lab Specialist Intermediate/Associate

Michigan Center for Translation Pathology (MCTP) is seeking an energetic, highly motivated individual for a Research Lab Specialist Intermediate/Associate in the therapeutic oncology team. The successful candidate is expected to thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment. In this role, the candidate will work as part of a team screening small molecule inhibitors/protein degraders and performing functional validation for targeted therapy of cancer in vitro (30%) and in vivo (70%). The candidate will perform routine laboratory experimental procedures in one or more areas of work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.

Responsibilities include:

• Maintain and manage mouse breeding colonies, including genotyping, setting up mating cages, and monitoring animal health and survival.
• Perform aseptic animal surgeries, including castration, ovariectomy, and tumor implantation into renal capsule, mammary fat pad, pancreas, prostate, and subcutaneous sites.
• Administer drugs in mice (and occasionally rats) via oral gavage, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injection.
• Conduct full necropsies in mice (and occasionally rats) for collection of tumors and various organs.
• Monitor tumor growth using caliper measurements and bioluminescence imaging (IVIS), depending on the tumor model.
• Prepare compounds for in vivo studies including formulation and preparation for various drug delivery methods.
• Perform correlative studies associated with in vivo experiments, including histology preparation, tissue embedding, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and organization/archiving of samples (FFPE blocks, frozen tissues, histology slides, etc.).
• Routine cell culture maintenance: passaging of adherent and suspension cells, freezing and recovering cell lines, and keep good record for cell line bank.
• Develop and maintain primary cell culture or organoid from patients and mouse models.
• Functional assay: perform protein, RNA and gDNA extraction from cells and tumor tissue, western blot, confocal microscopy slide preparation, qPCR
• Collect and analyze data from experiments, documenting findings and presenting them to the research team.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.
• Collaborate with other members of the research team to ensure research projects are completed on time and meet quality standards.
• Assist with maintaining laboratory equipment, ensuring it is properly calibrated and functioning correctly.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols and procedures.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmacology, Immunology, Biology, or related field.
• 4-5 years of experience in biology related research for intermediate level, and 1-2 year of experience for associate level. Research Lab Specialist Intermediate position maybe underfilled with Associate level, which is dependent on the candidate's qualification.
• Animal aseptic surgery experience.
• Experience on establish of cancer xenograft mouse model and administration of therapeutic agents.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to instruct junior lab members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, GraphPad, and other scientific software programs.

Desired qualifications include:

• Molecular biology, Cancer biology, and immunology research lab experience.
• Familiar with PubMed or other literature search portals.
• Experience on data organization and presentation to principal investigator.

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

Modes of work are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually and subject to change at any time, for any reason, throughout the course of employment.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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.

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.

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.