Research Lab Specialist Inter

Job Summary

Join the expanding Michigan Center for Translational Pathology laboratory to work in the research sequencing team. Our laboratory uses high-throughput technologies to understand the mechanisms of cancer progression and to develop new prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers of cancer. The laboratory provides enormous resources and opportunities for an individual to learn traditional cellular/molecular techniques as well as state-of-the-art technologies, including Next Generation Sequencing, single cell sequencing, and spatial transcriptomics.

Responsibilities*

• Isolate RNA and DNA from tissues and blood and prepare samples through PCR and gel electrophoresis for sequencing.
• Check sample quality via spectrophotometer, bioanalyzer, and qPCR.
• Prepare NGS libraries for all the labs in MCTP as well as other collaborators, helping the research sequencing group manage the increasing volume of libraries (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Capture-Seq and etc.).
• Support library prep for single-cell and spatial transcriptomics libraries, including work on Xenium, CytoAssist, and advanced sequencing platforms.
• Run next-generation sequencing platforms, including Xenium, and support related library preparation workflows.
• Validate potential candidate genes by Sanger sequencing and qPCR.
• Write internal research reports summarizing research activities.
• Participate in group meetings and interact as a team member with laboratory personnel.
• Maintain and update all documentation for lab annual inspections, including writing SOPs, performing scheduled maintenance, and running various assays.
• Run instrument validations and verifications for new and existing platforms. Testing and optimizing new technologies and new protocols.
• The candidate should be very familiar and experienced with basic molecular biology and cell biology techniques and should have strong organizational skills to complete work in a timely manner.

Required Qualifications*

• Master's degree in biology or a related field.
• Minimum of five years' experience in basic laboratory research.
• Experience in a molecular biology and/or biochemistry research laboratory.
• Familiarity with qPCR techniques, molecular cloning, and cell culture.
• Experience with NGS library preparation (RNA-Seq, ChIP-Seq, Capture-Seq, etc.).
• Strong foundation in basic molecular and cell biology techniques.
• Willingness to learn new concepts and technologies, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics platforms. Experience in assay development and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across multiple concurrent projects and with a range of collaborators.
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and record-keeping, with the ability to complete work in a timely manner.

Desired Qualifications*

• PhD in biological science or a related field.
• Prior hands-on experience with single-cell or spatial transcriptomics platforms.

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