Career Center

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.

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 Associate position. The selected candidate will support Dr. Piotrowski-Daspit in setting up her research program and work closely with members of the laboratory on NIH-funded projects focused on developing polymeric drug delivery vehicles for genetic diseases. The responsibilities of this role are to manage multiple aspects of the day-today operations of the research group, estimated as a 50:50 split between research activities and administrative and organizational activities required to set up a new laboratory.  Contact: asapd@umich.edu.

Facilitate day-to-day administrative and research laboratory operations including: procurement, organization, and inventory of reagents and supplies; repair and maintenance of equipment; and data management.
Communicate with vendors on purchasing laboratory equipment.
Serve as the laboratory's safety officer, maintaining all required documentation for annual EHS safety inspections.
Manage the laboratory's IBC protocol to ensure safe usage of recombinant DNA constructs, viral gene delivery systems, and human cell cultures.
Manage the laboratory's IACUC protocols and serve as the point of contact for biannual IACUC inspections.
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 on common procedures.

Bachelor's degree or Master's degree, preferably in biomedical/chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline.
1-3 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.

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.
1-2 years of prior research laboratory experience is preferred but not required.
Background and/or experience in lab maintenance.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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