Research Lab Specialist Inter/ Associate

at  University of Michigan

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered, please submit a 1-page cover letter concisely outlining your research interests and experience, in addition to your specific interest in this position; also attach a full CV and provide two professional references.

JOB SUMMARY

The Michigan Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery provides outstanding, state-of-the-art, evidence-based care for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. As well, our faculty, staff, and trainees conduct a diverse range of musculoskeletal research and scholarship. The departments research program integral to its mission and vision of leading advances in musculoskeletal health, through excellence and innovative care, scientific discovery, and dedicated teaching.
Research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery (ORL) is conducted by a diverse group of faculty, staff and trainees with expertise in biology, engineering, epidemiology, health outcomes and healthcare. The collaborative research programs are focused on improving treatment or preventing musculoskeletal disorders and disease. Primary basic science research operations are located at the Biomedical Science Research Building, with additional clinical research sites. ORL website: https://orl.med.umich.edu/
The Lang Laboratory is assembling an interdisciplinary team dedicated to uncovering new insights into musculoskeletal tissue oxygenation and exploring the role of erythrocyte function and development in musculoskeletal health, injury, and disease. Our goal is to regenerate bone, restore cartilage, and advance biomaterials. Lab website: https://lang.lab.medicine.umich.edu/
To achieve this, we are seeking an enthusiastic, highly motivated individual for a Research Lab Specialist Associate /Intermediate position. The successful candidate will thrive in a collaborative, dynamic environment and contribute significantly to single-cell studies and molecular research using advanced flow cytometry, sequencing techniques and multiplex histology. Additionally, the candidate will develop in vitro cell culture models and establish a robust pipeline for studying animal and patient samples.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

Intermediate Level:

• Bachelors degree in Biology, Life Sciences, Immunology, or a related field.
• Four to five (4-5) years of experience in biology-related research for the intermediate level,

Associate Level:

• Bachelors degree in Biology, Life Sciences, Immunology, or a related field.
• one to three (1-3) years of experience for the associate level.

Both:

• Experience in flow cytometry/cell sorting and laboratory work in a relevant field (e.g., cell culture, molecular biology/biochemistry, or mouse studies).
• Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Google Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Strong team spirit, with a willingness to support other lab members and work independently.
• Competent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, a methodical and systematic work approach, and diligent note-taking abilities.
• Ability to adhere to laboratory safety protocols and procedures.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in immunology or hematology research labs.
• Experience analyzing blood and bone marrow samples, as well as maintaining primary cell cultures with erythroid progenitor cells and conducting related differentiation assays.
• Experience with animal models, preferably mice.

• Develop primary cell cultures and differentiation assays from patient and mouse models under various environmental conditions (e.g., hypoxia chamber).
• Establish a single-cell analysis pipeline using flow cytometry, cell sorting, and RNA sequencing to characterize different cell populations and differentiation stages.
• Assist in executing in vivo studies using mouse femoral fracture models, including tissue and cell harvesting.
• Prepare histological samples and perform immunofluorescence staining: cryo- or paraffin embedding, sectioning, and multiplex staining.
• Collect and analyze data, accurately document experiments and findings, prepare standard protocols, and design additional experiments.
• Actively participate in lab meetings and collaborate with other research team members.
• Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment.