"Research Lab Tech Senior - Huycke and West Labs"

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 Senior Research Technician will provide advanced technical support for both the Huycke and West laboratories. This role now encompasses complex experimental workflows across two independent research programs and requires expert-level mouse colony management, organization, and record-keeping, high-proficiency in specialized laboratory techniques, data collection and analysis, and clear communication between both PIs. The technician also acts as a specialist resource for laboratory methods, instrumentation, and protocol troubleshooting.

Mouse Colony Management (70% - split between Huycke and West labs)

• Independently manage two large, multi-genotype mouse colonies (~200 cages per lab; ~400 cages total).
• Perform genotyping using Transnetyx, PCR, and gel electrophoresis; update and troubleshoot genotyping protocols.
• Maintain accurate electronic records using Transnetyx colony management software; track breeding, lineage, and experimental needs for the Huycke and West labs.
• Coordinate closely with both PIs and lab members to supply animals for time-sensitive experiments.

Laboratory Operations & Technical Expertise (10% - Huycke Lab)

• Lead ordering, receiving, inventory management, and shared reagent preparation (Huycke Lab).
• Train new personnel in standard and advanced techniques, including dissection, tissue culture, and confocal imaging.
• Maintain and operate specialized equipment (confocal microscopes, nanoindentation systems, organoid culture workflows) and troubleshoot problems.
• Uphold and update safety and compliance procedures.

Experimental Execution & Data Analysis (20% - split between Huycke and West labs)

• Perform developmental biology experiments (timed matings, tissue isolation, organ culture, live imaging, nanoindentation) and analyze results using sophisticated software and statistical platforms.
• Perform tumor biology experiments (tumor measurements, mammary gland/tumor dissections, organoid establishment).
• Troubleshoot experimental issues, optimize protocols, and recommend solutions to improve data quality and workflow efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in a related field
• Demonstrated proficiency performing complex laboratory procedures with minimal supervision.
• Ability to serve as a specialist in laboratory methods and equipment maintenance and operation on-the-fly.
• Skilled in data evaluation, including statistical and multivariate analyses.
• Strong communication and record-keeping across two labs with many unique genotypes and time-sensitive workflows.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot technical issues and recommend actionable solutions.

This is a term-limited, one year appointment.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision.