"Research Lab Specialist Inter"

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 Intermediate position. The selected candidate will support Dr. Piotrowski-Daspit's research program and work closely with members of the laboratory on an NIH funded project focused on developing polymeric drug delivery vehicles for genetic diseases including cystic fibrosis. The responsibilities of this role are to assist in managing various aspects of the project including training other laboratory members, formulating delivery vehicles, conducting experiments (including work with vertebrate animals (rodents)), performing data analysis, and eventually working with Dr. Piotrowski-Daspit to prepare manuscripts. Ideally, this role will be filled by an individual experienced in and drug/nucleic acid delivery and work with animal models (rodents). This position offers opportunities to learn cutting-edge techniques as well as opportunities for career development including manuscript and grant proposal preparation, presentations at scientific conferences, mentorship, etc.

• Take a leading role and work closely with the PI in the development and implementation of this research program.
• 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 working on this project on experimental procedures.
• Record all information, daily, in an official electronic laboratory notebook.

Required Qualifications

• BS or MS, preferably in biomedical/chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, molecular biology, or related discipline.
• 4+ 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• History of authorship on publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• 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.
• 5+ years of prior research laboratory experience is preferred but not required.

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.