Research Lab Specialist Inter

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Job Summary

The Srinivasan Laboratory is looking to fill a position for Research Lab Specialist Intermediate

The overarching goals of the laboratory are to study the basic biology and mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases and to discover novel therapeutics for future clinical development. In particular, the Srinivasan Laboratory is very interested in targeting the dysfunctional cerebellar circuitry that drives the dominantly inherited Spinocerebellar Ataxias (SCAs).

The desired candidate will have hands-on experience with human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC/ESC) culture, along with skills in molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. Those with stem cell culture experience will be prioritized in the interview process, though previous mammalian cell culture with extensive sterile technique may be appropriate.

The successful candidate will work alongside Dr. Srinivasan and existing lab members to maintain and expand human iPSC lines, carry out directed differentiation into cerebellar and other disease-relevant neurons, generate and characterize gene-edited stem cell lines, and design, perform, and interpret experiments on channel function and pharmacology in these models.

In addition, the successful candidate will supervise and help train other members of the lab (including undergraduates, graduate students, and other technicians), including instruction in sterile technique and stem cell culture. Applicants who have independently maintained pluripotent stem cell cultures are especially encouraged to apply. Because stem cell lines require uninterrupted care, the position includes participation in a rotating weekend and holiday feeding schedule shared across the lab. Preference will be given to applicants who seek at least 2 years of commitment to this position. As this position includes opportunity for career growth, we particularly encourage those seeking a long-term position.

Responsibilities*

Include but are not limited to:

• Laboratory maintenance
• Maintain, expand, and cryopreserve human pluripotent stem cell (iPSC/ESC) lines, including feeder-free culture, passaging, thawing, and routine quality control
• Perform directed differentiation of stem cell lines into neurons and other disease-relevant cell types
• Keep detailed culture and line-provenance records and share in a rotating weekend/holiday feeding schedule
• Conduct experiments
• Analyze data
• Train users in equipment operation and standard techniques
• Participate in periodic research discussions (weekly lab meeting)
• Present data and plans for new experiments
• Collaborate with colleagues to achieve short- and long-range plans
• Help assemble manuscripts, chapters, and research abstracts
• Additional duties as assigned, such as lab ordering (bi-weekly).

Required Qualifications*

Intermediate:

• Masters degree in biological sciences, including molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline
• 3-4 years of wet-laboratory experience including direct experience culturing human pluripotent stem cells (iPSC or ESC): passaging, feeding, freezing and thawing, and monitoring cultures for spontaneous differentiation and contamination.

Associate:

• Requirements include a bachelors degree in the biological sciences, including molecular biology, biochemistry or a related discipline
• 1-2 years of laboratory experience which could include classroom laboratory experience or employment
• Hands-on experience with sterile mammalian cell culture, including independent day-to-day maintenance of continuous cultures

Desired Qualifications*

• Two or more years of dedicated human pluripotent stem cell culture experience in an academic or industry laboratory
• Experience with directed differentiation protocols and with iPSC-derived neuronal, organoid cultures
• Experience with live-cell and confocal imaging and with flow cytometry cultured cells
• Experience supporting plate-based or high throughput screening workflows, including 24-96-well culture, liquid handling, and assay quality control
• Familiarity with basic techniques in biomedical research, DNA/RNA extraction and purification, quantitative real-time PCR, Western blotting, and fluorescence microscopy
• Experience using CRISPR techniques in cell culture, particularly gene editing of iPSC lines, single-cell cloning, and screening and validation of edited clones
• Experience with tissue processing and immunohistochemistry in fixed tissues

Modes of Work

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.

Underfill Statement

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

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

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.