How to Apply

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.

Summary

The Shea Lab at the University of Michigan invites applications for a dedicated and dynamic Research Laboratory Technician. Led by Dr. Lonnie Shea, our lab operates at the forefront of regenerative medicine, immune engineering, and precision health. Our interdisciplinary approach leverages biomaterials with drug and gene delivery to direct tissue growth or regeneration, including islet transplantation for diabetes therapy and nerve regeneration for treating paralysis. In immune engineering, we aim to modulate unwanted immune responses in conditions such as autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflammation, and allogeneic cell transplantation. Our precision health research focuses on early disease detection strategies, including cancer and autoimmunity, employing novel systems biology methods to understand tissue function and disease progression at the molecular level.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.
Our vision, mission and values are supported by a people-first engineering framework that guides our work. As Michigan Engineers, we strive to apply excellent engineering fundamentals, integrated expertise and equity-centered values to reimagine what engineering can be, close critical gaps, and elevate all people. Information about our vision, mission and values can be found at: http://strategicvision.engin.umich.edu/.
The University of Michigan has a storied legacy of commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Michigan Engineering models that commitment in our research, culture and collaborations. We seek to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as a reflection of that commitment. Learn more about DEI at Michigan Engineering: https://www.engin.umich.edu/culture/diversity-equity-inclusion/

Why Work at Michigan?

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and Parental Leave

Responsibilities*

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting the lab's day-to-day operational activities and research projects, including:

• Lab Operations and Maintenance: Ensuring the lab is well-stocked and equipment is maintained, managing chemical waste, and keeping the lab organized and compliant with safety standards.
• Research Support: Assisting with cryosectioning, histological analysis, cell culture, animal work, and maintaining high standards across lab operations through technique training.
• Administrative and Support Tasks: Organizing meetings, coordinating onboarding and offboarding processes for lab members, and enforcing safety training and compliance.
• Additional Duties: Managing scheduling and logistics, preparing aliquots of common stocks, and ensuring a contamination-free environment through regular incubator sterilization and mycoplasma testing.

The technician will also need to demonstrate strong organizational and communication skills, be proficient with lab technology and software, and have the capability to train new members in basic lab techniques. This role is essential for maintaining the operational efficiency of the lab and supporting its cutting-edge research initiatives.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in biomedical sciences, or equivalent work experience in cellular and molecular biology.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated responsibility and productivity, with a track record of punctuality, organization, and self-motivation.
• Candidates at the Intermediate level:
  1 to 2 years of experience in a related position.
• Candidates at the Associate level:
  1 year of experience in a related position.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience in or knowledge of histology and immunostaining, and animal handling and care techniques.
• Experience working with rodents.
• Experience with cell culture. 
• Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and GraphPad Prism.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification (Associate Level) depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Additional Information

**This is a one year term-limited position with possible renewal based on funding extension.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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