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.

Applications are invited for a Lab Specialist Associate position in the lab of Dr. Elliott SoRelle in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA. The SoRelle Collaborative Epstein-Barr Virus (scEBV) Lab is interested in understanding how Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection rewires host B cells and can contribute to cancers and autoimmunity. Learn more at:  Elliott Sorelle | Faculty | University of Michigan Medical School (umich.edu)

The candidate will be trained by and work with Dr. SoRelle and lab members to learn experimental techniques, basics of the EBV field, and general principles in virology and immunology. Previous experience with PCR, western blotting, other basic molecular biology techniques, and/or tissue culture are expected. Experience with fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and/or sequencing technologies are not required but highly advantageous. The ideal candidate will be a fast learner with good organizational skills, sharp attention to details, and is motivated to learn about virology and immunology research.

Dr. SoRelle and the lab are committed to the career development of the successful candidate and will support them to achieve their future goals. The candidate, if desired, will be mentored to develop an independent line of investigation during their period of training to be competitive for graduate school and medical school programs. The candidate will be offered opportunities for growth in leadership and mentorship skills as desired.

Please note: This position is term-limited for 2 years with the strong possibility of renewal based on satisfactory performance and need.

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.

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

The candidate's role will be to manage and organize the lab, maintain equipment and inventories, order and maintain lab supplies, and assist with wet lab experiments and research for one or more projects. This will include maintenance of a lab notebook, order tracking, and other relevant recordkeeping. The candidate, if desired, will be mentored to develop an independent line of investigation during their period of training to be competitive for graduate school and medical school programs. The candidate will also meet regularly with Dr. SoRelle, participate in weekly lab meetings (individual and joint lab meetings), and may attend departmental seminar series if desired.

Bachelor's degree and 2-3 years' experience required. The applicant should be a responsible, responsive, detail-oriented, well-organized person with excellent communication skills and should be willing and interested to work independently and collaboratively in a diverse research team. Previous experience with at least 2-3 of the following techniques is expected:

• PCR
• Western blotting and/or immunoprecipitation
• Other molecular biology techniques (e.g., cloning, plasmid engineering)
• Tissue culture with sterile technique (experience with mammalian tissues preferred)

• A strong and genuine interest in basic/translational research in virology and immunology
• Bachelor's degree or higher in biological science or related health field 
• 2-3 years' relevant experience in a biological research laboratory
• Experience with the following techniques is not required but is highly advantageous:
  • Fluorescence microscopy
  • Flow cytometry

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 is a 2-year term-limited appointment. At the end of the stated term, your appointment will terminate, and will not be eligible for Reduction-in-Force (RIF) benefits. This term-limited appointment does not create a contract or guarantee of employment for any period of time as you will remain subject to disciplinary or other performance measures, up to and including termination, at the will of the University in accordance with existing University policy and standards for employee performance and conduct.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.