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 Giger Laboratory in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan Medical School is seeking a highly motivated Scientist to join our team investigating neuroinflammation and its role in mammalian nervous system degeneration and regeneration. Our research focuses on neuro-immune interactions and mechanisms that regulate axon repair using advanced mouse genetics, injury models, and multiomics approaches.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively on projects examining immune responses to neural injury, employing a range of experimental techniques including mouse surgical models, cell biology, flow cytometry, and immune-based assays. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge studies at the interface of neuroscience and immunology, with the goal of identifying mechanisms that promote neural repair.

Ideal candidates will hold a Master's degree or Ph.D. in biomedical research and have a strong background in innate immune cell biology including neutrophils, molecular biology, and general cell biology. Experience working with mouse models is highly desirable. The candidate should be a team-oriented scientist with strong organizational skills, excellent communication, and a commitment to advancing research in neuroinflammation and regenerative biology.

For additional information on our work, please visit the lab website: https://thegigerlab.org/

Scientific Research (80%)

• Perform nerve histological analyses using immunofluorescence, RNAscope in situ hybridization, and ultrastructural approaches
• Conduct cell culture experiments with bone marrow–derived macrophages, neutrophils, and microglia
• Perform flow cytometry and FACS-based analyses of mouse and human neural tissues
• Maintain mouse colonies, including genotyping and phenotypic characterization

Lab management, training and supervision (20%)

• Assist with onboarding and training of new lab members in established SOPs and protocols
• Manage purchasing and inventory of laboratory supplies
• Maintain laboratory documentation and ensure compliance with safety regulations
• Coordinate with administrative staff and institutional resources

Bachelor's degree in a related field required

1-3 years of relevant research experience

Master's degree or Ph.D. preferred

Strong initiative and ability to work independently while learning new techniques

Ability to manage responsibilities across multiple collaborative projects

Experience in cell culture and molecular biology techniques

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Experience in at least one of the following is preferred, but not required:

• Histology and light microscopy
• Flow cytometry and cell-based assays
• Molecular biology techniques including CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
• Mouse colony management (PCR genotyping)
• Laboratory organization and operations

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 employment opportunity employer.