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 Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine is seeking a Research Assistant or Laboratory Specialist for an existing laboratory located at the VA Medical Center Research Building. The Researcher will participate in ongoing research in a cell and molecular biology laboratory. This will involve a wide variety of techniques from the field of immunology/cell biology. 

Duties include, but are not limited to:

* Under the direction of the principal investigator, initiate and perform experimental efforts entailing the following components: 

• Infect animals (mice) with microbes

• Dissect the organs and tissues of infected animals

• Isolate cell populations from mice. 

• Stain the cells with antibodies for flow cytometry experiments; acquire the data using our FACS system,

• With provided gating strategy perform the analysis of leukocyte subsets (FloJo-program)

• Isolate RNA for RT-PCR 

• Perform routine bioassays (ELISA, RT-PCR, CFU).

• Perform various stimulated cell culture conditions over protracted time periods. 

• If experimental problems develop notify the PI/other personnel and assist in troubleshooting.   

• Record and enter the acquired data in notebooks and computer (excel and powerpoint), 

Lab maintenance:

• Ordering materials and supplies for the laboratory. 

• Assuring that all the equipment is in working order, if problems arise, assist in requesting repair services.

• Prepare media, buffers, and solutions. 

• Generate accurate laboratory records, and supervise the purchasing and production of laboratory supplies

• Prepare inventories of animals, chemicals and samples.  

• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelors degree in health or biological science discipline. Pre-PhD or pre-medical school applicants are encouraged to apply.

• 0-1 year experience

• General understanding and preferably some experience with research in molecular biology, protein chemistry, immunology, and cell biology.

• General understanding of biological and biochemical principles and practices

• General understanding and preferably some experience biochemical laboratory techniques and instrumentation, such as preparing solutions, using analytical balances, pH meters, PCR, gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometers, coulter counters, scintillation counters, and centrifuges.

• General understanding and preferably some experience of handling mice without reservation to handling the animals on daily basis. 

• General understanding and preferably some experience with cell culture techniques (animal).

• Ability to work independently on assigned projects and analyses. 

• Ability to work effectively with supervisors and peers. 

• Previous experience in studying molecular biology, protein chemistry, immunology, and cell biology, Quantitative PCR, ELISA, staining cells with fluorescent monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry experience, cell culture techniques, ability to work independently on pre-designed experiments and the initial data analysis.

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

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.

Monday through Friday, 8 hour days, hours negotiable

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.