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 Shea Lab at the University of Michigan invites applications for a dedicated and dynamic Research Laboratory Technician. Led by Dr. Lonnie Shea, our lab operates at the forefront of regenerative medicine, immune engineering, and precision health. Our interdisciplinary approach leverages biomaterials with drug and gene delivery to direct tissue growth or regeneration, including islet transplantation for diabetes therapy and nerve regeneration for treating paralysis. In immune engineering, we aim to modulate unwanted immune responses in conditions such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflammation, and allogeneic cell transplantation. Our precision health research focuses on early disease detection strategies, including cancer and autoimmunity, employing novel systems biology methods to understand tissue function and disease progression at the molecular level.
The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the lab's day-to-day operational activities and research projects, including:
- Lab Operations and Maintenance: Ensuring the lab is well-stocked and equipment is maintained, managing chemical waste, and keeping the lab organized and compliant with safety standards.
- Research Support: Assisting with cryosectioning, histological analysis, cell culture, animal work, and maintaining high standards across lab operations through technique training.
- Administrative and Support Tasks: Organizing meetings, coordinating onboarding and offboarding processes for lab members, and enforcing safety training and compliance.
- Additional Duties: Managing scheduling and logistics, preparing aliquots of common stocks, and ensuring a contamination-free environment through regular incubator sterilization and mycoplasma testing.
The technician will also need to demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, be proficient with lab technology and software, and have the capability to train new members in basic lab techniques. This role is essential for maintaining the operational efficiency of the lab and supporting its cutting-edge research initiatives.
- Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences, or equivalent work experience in cellular and molecular biology.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated responsibility and productivity, with a track record of punctuality, organization, and self-motivation.
- Experience in or knowledge of histology and immunostaining, and animal handling and care techniques.
- Experience working with rodents.
- Experience with cell culture.
- Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and GraphPad Prism.
The Shea Lab is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for research and innovation in health sciences.
**Note: This is a one year term-limited position with the possibility of extension based on need and funding.
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
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 Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
