The Prensner laboratory at the Chad Carr - Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Research Lab Specialist - Associate position. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort aiming to dissect the genomic basis of pediatric cancer and its therapeutic implications.

PRENSNER LAB ENVIRONMENT

The Prensner Lab seeks to create a lab culture based on respect, integrity, perseverance, and fun. We aspire to be creative and collaborative scientists who are societally-engaged. We regularly collaborate with labs both nationally and globally.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

As one of the world's top universities located in one of the country's most highly educated and most livable cities, the University of Michigan provides an outstanding research environment that is matched by a vibrant city community.  The nationally recognized medical school, cancer center, and basic science departments afford close interactions with top academic teams of diverse skillsets.

The successful candidate will play a key role in validating hypotheses generated from the analysis of large-scale CRISPR/RNAi screens, drug sensitivity screening data, and molecular biology.  The work will focus on novel areas of therapeutic discovery and molecular analyses of childhood brain tumors.

This candidate will assist in the development of confirmatory cellular assays and functional studies to evaluate target gene function. He/she/they will employ genetic perturbation tools (e.g. CRISPR, RNAi), cellular drug assays, and molecular biology techniques to understand the cellular importance of candidate drug targets. He/she/they will be part of a multi-disciplinary team that collaborates to drive preclinical validation of cancer targets.

The candidate is expected to work largely independently on a daily basis after training, but will be closely mentored by other lab members.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Learn and execute existing pipeline of tissue culture, in vitro bioassays, and phenotypic readouts using genetic (e.g. CRISPR, RNAi) and small molecule perturbations.
• Develop functional genetic assays to model gene function and drug response.
• Operates and maintains laboratory equipment to complete investigations.
• Prepares, orders, and maintains stocks of necessary reagents, solutions and supplies.
• Documents, compiles, and analyzes experimental data. Reports data to supervisor in oral and written reports.
• Attends team meetings and contributes to experimental planning.
• Maintains and improves technical knowledge base.
• Assist project lead with interrogating large genomic and cell line efficacy data sets.
• Other related tasks as required.

Education

• Bachelor degree
• Masters degree in the life sciences is preferred 
   

Experience

• 1-3 years of experience in a related field

Education

• Prior cell biology, molecular biology, and chemistry coursework.

Skills and abilities

• Experience with mammalian cells and tissue culture is required.
• Experience conducting drug screens is required.
• Prior experience using tumoroid cell culture with pediatric brain tumor models is required.
• Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, lab notebook practices and attention to detail are critically essential.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed.
• Ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast-paced environment, large complex experiments, and large data sets, all of which demand great attention to detail.
• Familiarity with molecular biology and genomic techniques is strongly desired.
• Prior experience with small molecule or genetic screens is advantageous.
• Prior experience using lentivirus, CRISPR or RNAi is a plus.
• Basic computational skills are a plus.
• Ability and eagerness to learn in a self-motivating environment.

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 term-limited for about 1 year (ending May 2026) with the possibility of renewal based on need and available funding. 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 employment opportunity employer.