Summary

A research laboratory in the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at The University of Michigan Health System is seeking a highly motivated individual with exceptional organizational skills and a strong scientific approach to fill our open Research Tech position. The position is ideal for applicants looking to expand their knowledge and experience before applying to medical or graduate school. The overall goal of the Translational Tissue Modeling Laboratory (https://www.umichttml.org/) is to create a repository of patient-derived colonic tissues in 3D culture and provide the broader research community with access to these diverse tissues. These colonoid cultures span the continuum of normal and disease states, including IBD and cancer progression. The candidate will use their scientific skills, biological knowledge and creativity to enable cutting edge research projects and technologies in a collaborative and interdisciplinary team environment across the University of Michigan research and clinical community.

The candidate should have outstanding interpersonal skills. They will also assist with day-to-day operations of the laboratory, interface with investigators for project development/consultation, and train/teach advanced tissue culture techniques.

Mission Statement

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.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

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

Responsibilities*

The main responsibilities will include but not be limited to:

• 3D cell culture of colonic tissues as organoids, with DNA/RNA isolation, and PCR analysis and some immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.
• The candidate will be involved in laboratory management such as overseeing day-to-day operations of the laboratory, and maintenance of detailed records/procedures.
• The candidate will maintain detailed records of laboratory procedures and actively participate in project planning.
• The candidate will develop and apply cutting edge techniques to create complex tissue culture models.
• Once fully operational, one important function will be to train personnel from other collaborative laboratories and institutions in advanced tissue culture techniques.
• The candidate will have the opportunity to assist (co-author) in the preparation of research papers and meeting presentations.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences.
• 1-2 years of experience
• Training or teaching experience.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills; the applicant must have the ability to work independently, and in a diverse team environment.
• Applicant must be detail-orientated and be able to maintain highly organized system of laboratory materials, procedures, and records.
• Ability to prioritize efforts and execute independently and collaboratively developed ideas.
• Have a strong desire to stay abreast of new developments in the field, implement novel models as they emerge, and formulate new research goals.
• Minimum 2-year commitment with flexibility to work some weekend time.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in advanced tissue culture techniques, such as stem cell or organoid culture.
• Experience in molecular biology tools (DNA/RNA purification, DNA transfection, qRT-PCR, Western Blot).
• Intermediate level: publication record (peer review manuscripts, meeting abstracts) and/or experience writing and preparing manuscripts/thesis work.

Background Screening

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.

Application Deadline

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.

Vaccine Requirements

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all students, faculty and staff working in the following areas: Michigan Medicine including the Medical School, Dental School, University Health Service or the Mary A. Rackham Institute.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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