Research Lab Specialist Inter

at  University of Michigan

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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Nuttle laboratory in the Department of Human Genetics seeks a highly-motivated Intermediate Research Laboratory Specialist to serve as the Lab Manager.
The laboratory investigates neurodevelopmental disorders, human evolution, and genome technology development. The successful applicant will work closely with Dr. Nuttle to set up and manage his laboratory and will drive studies modeling neurodevelopmental disorders using induced pluripotent stem cells, CRISPR genome engineering, and brain organoids.

WHO WE ARE

The Department of Human (DHG) Genetics at Michigan Medicine is recognized as the first dedicated human genetics department in the United States. The DHG is one of nine basic science departments in the Medical School with primary missions of teaching and research devoted to advancing the fields of genetics and genomics to further our understanding of biology and human disease. The Department is growing as faculty are presently being recruited. We enjoy social functions as a Department, including a yearly department picnic and a yearly department retreat.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Master’s degree in a relevant field of study (genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering, etc.).
• At least 4 years of experimental laboratory experience.
• Eagerness to perform cell culture experiments and grow brain organoid models.
• Eagerness to learn new experimental approaches.
• Strong motivation and perseverance.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong organization skills.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS*

• Ph.D. degree in a relevant field of study (genetics, molecular biology, bioengineering, etc.) is preferred.
• Five or more years of experimental laboratory experience.
• Experience with cell culture.
• Experience with brain organoid modeling.
• Experience with microscopy, immunofluorescence, and RNA-seq library preparation and analysis.
• Experience requesting purchases and maintaining inventory for a research lab.
• Experience training/supervising graduate and undergraduate students.
• Ability to commit to the position for at least 3 years.

• Design and perform cell culture experiments, including: Culture and maintain brain organoids, starting from induced pluripotent stem cell lines, perform experiments to characterize brain organoids (microscopy and morphological measurements; immunofluorescent staining, pooled-organoid RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and possibly additional assays such as proteomics); and assist with other experiments related to modeling neurodevelopmental disorders (iPSC culture, genome editing, preparation of CRISPR libraries).
• Serve as the Lab Manager including: Oversee set-up of lab, purchase lab equipment, reagents, and supplies; organize and track inventory; organize biomaterials (cell lines, DNA/RNA samples. plasmids, etc.) and maintain equipment. Serve as the lab safety officer, coordinating documentation for safety inspections, keeping the lab IBC protocol updated, ensuring compliance with all regulations, and training new lab members in safe research practice
• Analyze data using various data analysis programs. Prepare data for presenting, and present data.
• Contribute to manuscripts, grants, and presentations, including written components, figures, and tables.
• Read literature and attend seminars.
• Supervise graduate students, undergraduate students, and research staff. Train lab members on safe research practices, key protocols, and experimental procedures.