Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

The Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center (MHWFAC) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Technician Associate to support Dr. Simon P. Hogan's Laboratory in conducting basic molecular and cellular biology and immunology studies. The laboratory uses mouse- and human-based experimental systems to investigate allergic inflammatory responses, including food allergy and eosinophilic esophagitis. The ideal candidate will have foundational experience in molecular biology and protein biochemistry techniques, with demonstrated ability to maintain accurate experimental records and work collaboratively in a team-based research environment. Candidates with a background in chemical or biomedical engineering and hands-on experience in protein expression, flow cytometry, and molecular cloning techniques are especially encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will work closely with the lab manager, postdoctoral fellows, and graduate students under the supervision of senior research staff.

General Research Support

• Assist in research by gathering data, administering tests, recording observations and measurements, and setting up and operating laboratory equipment.

• Set up materials and equipment for experimental procedures and assist in course instruction.

• Help clean up after experiments and maintain a safe, organized laboratory environment.

• Prepare reagents, buffers, and media; perform routine laboratory maintenance duties.

Experimental Procedures

• Perform routine experimental procedures in one or more areas of work under the supervision of higher-level research staff.

• Assist with molecular biology techniques including PCR, primer design, gel electrophoresis, and western blot.

• Support protein expression, purification, and binding assays as part of allergen and immune effector characterization studies.

• Assist with flow cytometry sample preparation and data acquisition.

• Support mammalian cell culture, yeast culture, and bacterial culture using aseptic techniques.

• Assist with mouse handling and husbandry as needed.

Data Collection & Analysis

• Monitor experiments, collect data and samples, and record observations accurately and consistently.

• Perform calculations and assist in compiling and organizing experimental results.

• Maintain detailed, accurate laboratory records in compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

High school diploma or Associate's degree required; Bachelor's degree in a life sciences, biomedical engineering, or chemical engineering-related field preferred.
0-1 year of relevant laboratory research experience; undergraduate research experience considered.
Demonstrated experience with PCR, gel electrophoresis, and basic molecular biology techniques.
Familiarity with aseptic technique and cell or microbial culture procedures.
Strong attention to detail and consistent, accurate record-keeping practices.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to follow written and verbal protocols.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team research environment.
Highly self-motivated with a strong willingness to learn new techniques and approaches.
 

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, biochemistry, immunology, or a closely related life science field.

• Hands-on experience with protein expression systems (bacterial or yeast), protein purification, and protein-binding assays.

• Experience with flow cytometry, including sample preparation and data acquisition.

• Experience with primer design and site-directed mutagenesis.

• Familiarity with SDS-PAGE and western blot analysis.

• Quantitative and analytical aptitude, including experience with data analysis software (e.g., MATLAB, Excel, or equivalent).

• Interest or coursework in immunology, allergy, stem cell biology, or mucosal biology.

• Experience with iPSC or stem cell culture systems is a plus.

• Demonstrated scientific rigor, technical precision, and excellence in laboratory documentation.

• Flexibility in working schedule to accommodate occasional weekend work if necessary

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is part of an active, highly collaborative research laboratory within the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center at Michigan Medicine. The Hogan Laboratory investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, and mast cell biology using cutting-edge mouse models, primary human cell systems, and next-generation sequencing approaches. Candidates with an engineering background and demonstrated wet lab skills are well positioned to contribute to the quantitative and mechanistic dimensions of the laboratory's research program.

This is an excellent opportunity for a recent graduate seeking to build foundational and advanced research skills in a supportive, scientifically rigorous environment, with exposure to translational allergy research and state-of-the-art immunological techniques.

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 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.