"Research Lab Specialist Senior"

An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced researcher to join the Alumkal Laboratory (https://alumkal.lab.medicine.umich.edu/) at the U of M Division of Heme-Onc and the Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, MI. The individual will join as a Research Lab Specialist Senior and work directly with Dr. Joshi Alumkal, Leader of the U of M Prostate/Genitourinary Oncology Cancer Section. They will be an integral member of research team whose focus is epigenetics and drug resistance in prostate cancer.

Our goal is to develop new, targeted treatment strategies for men with advanced prostate cancer. Our laboratory focuses on identifying mechanisms by which key chromatin modifying enzymes and chromatin readers drive transcription of pathways that promote treatment resistance. We use genomics studies in prostate cancer clinical samples and genomic and functional studies in prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo model systems to understand this process.

The position is in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and highly translational environment in the U of M Division of Hematology/Oncology and the Rogel Cancer Center in the U of M School of Medicine. Highly-motivated candidates with expertise in xenograft mouse models, molecular biology, and biochemistry applied to oncology basic/translational research will be most competitive for this position.

The individual will be responsible for working collaboratively across the research program focused on prostate cancer epigenetics and drug resistance. Expertise with molecular biology and biochemistry will be required for this position. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: maintaining a high level of professional expertise in the field; assisting and providing research ideas and input to other scientists within the laboratory; designing and executing experiments; and establishing laboratory procedures and systems that enforce and maintain a high level of organization in the lab. Candidates will have the ability to gain the confidence of other scientists and staff and have the ability to develop strategic relationships and partnerships with key constituents.

The Research Lab Specialist will have a PhD with 3 or more years of research experience in the practice of science and team science. They are likely to have deep expertise in a singular area of focus but may also have worked as boundary spanners across multiple fields. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated a satisfactory track record of scholarly activity including high-quality peer-reviewed publications with a record of collaborative research.

• Performing laboratory experiments - Independently and collaboratively develop and manage research experiments, determining the most suitable methods to be used. Interpret and perform complex data analysis on experimental results and determine whether they are consistent with goals. Maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature. As needed, develop innovative techniques and experimental systems to meet research program goals.
• Project management: Develop and oversee laboratory research projects in collaboration with PI. Provide direction and ideas including identification of scientific problem, design of approach to address it, and identification, acquisition, and management of resources to perform investigations.
• Grant preparation and financial laboratory management: In collaboration the PI, help prepare grant applications, including planning, budgeting, editing, and figure preparation. Attend budget meetings and participate in resource allocation and planning, including assigning personnel effort to specific grants and projects.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication—including writing, editing, figure preparation, revisions, and submission—in collaboration with project leaders (i.e. Research Fellows, Clinical Fellows, Staff Scientists).
• Track personnel progress on their projects and help ensure maximum productivity. Foster and support teamwork. Ensure that research team members maintain accurate and detailed records of all experimental procedures, data collections and analysis performed.
• Provide training to all members of the lab including staff scientists, postdoctoral fellows, clinical research fellows, graduate students, and undergraduate students.

Bachelor's Degree required. Minimum 5-6 years related experience, i.e., published in a field of specialty and academic knowledge in a field or discipline. Experience with supervision or project management is required. Expertise in epigenetics, genomics, and cancer biology are required. Molecular biology techniques required: PCR, primer design, cell culture, transfections, transductions, Western blots, cloning. Ability to generate figures, assist in manuscript and grant submissions, and provide scientific and writing feedback. Proven ability to work collaboratively with and manage a high performing laboratory group. Proficient with computers specifically MS Office (which includes Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and statistical analysis software such as GraphPad Prism. Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills: both written and verbal. Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems. Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, including those led by other team members. Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships. Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols. Demonstrated ability to build productive cross functional collaborations both internally and externally. Ability to analyze short- and long-term project needs. Ability to strategize long term laboratory-wide research directions. Ability to schedule, manage and coordinate multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Doctoral degree in relevant field and 3 years of relevant post-doctoral work experience. Expertise with ChIPseq, RNAseq, RRBS, scRNAseq, and data visualization/analysis is strongly preferred. Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 KO technology is strongly preferred. Familiarity with supply ordering, procurement, and lab management. Strong publication record. Knowledge of policy and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety, animal work, and radiation. Technical proficiency, scientific creativity collaborative ability, and independent thinker.