"Research Lab Specialist Assoc"

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 Wang laboratory at the Life Sciences Institute is looking for a Research Laboratory Specialist Associate/Lab Manager to join our team. The primary research focus of the Wang lab is protein engineering and synthetic biology work, involving molecular biology and chemical biology. You will have a penchant towards basic science research and a flair for managing daily activities within a research laboratory setting. You will report directly to Dr. Wang and will perform your work fully onsite at the Life Sciences Institute.

Experimental tasks will include:

• Maintain supplies of cell culture plates, media, competent cells, and lab reagents
• Perform molecular biology experiments such as PCR amplification and routine restriction-based cloning
• Maintain stocks of communal reagents such as TLC stains
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures and perform mammalian cell experiments

Non-experimental tasks will include:

• Serve as laboratory manager and safety liaison for the lab:
• Maintain safety and hygiene throughout the research lab
• Enforce safe laboratory practices
• Represent the Wang Lab at Life Sciences Institute lab managers meetings and communicate information from those meetings back to the Wang lab members
• Purchase and maintain an up-to-date inventory of lab supplies and equipment
• Work with faculty PI to ensure laboratory expenditures are charged to appropriate funding source
• Onboard and offboard group members
• Oversee lab reagent shipping and receiving in compliance with all applicable regulation protocols
• Maintain data infrastructure
• Organize lab group activities, such as organizing group meetings, laboratory celebration activities (including candidacy exam, defense, etc.) and lab outings
• Help mentor undergraduate and graduate students

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological or chemical sciences or related chemical biology majors (e.g. cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry)
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a chemistry or biochemistry lab
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience performing the following techniques: molecular cloning, bacterial culturing, mammalian cell culturing, and immunofluorescence
• Minimum of one (1) year experience managing laboratory operations, including oversight of daily activities, supervising staff, developing protocols, and training new lab members in procedures and safety best practices
• Minimum of one (1) year experience supporting collaborative research activities by organizing and leading team meetings, setting agendas, and following up on action items
• Minimum of one (1) year experience of proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to individuals at varying levels
• Proven ability in fostering a respectful and productive team culture

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate level degree (MS or PhD) in biological or chemical sciences or related chemical biology majors (e.g. cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry)
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience maintaining laboratory equipment common to synthetic chemistry and biochemistry labs
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience with restriction enzyme-based cloning and directed evolution or computational design-based protein engineering
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience with mammalian cell culture, DNA transfection, AAV and lentivirus virus preparation and handling

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
• Dental, Vision and Legal Insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

For more information on the Wang laboratory.