Research Lab Specialist Assoc./Intermediate

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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

An exciting opportunity has been created for a staff scientist to join the Alumkal Laboratory (https://alumkal.lab.medicine.umich.edu/) at the U of M Division of Heme-Onc and the Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, MI. The individual will join as a Research Lab Specialist Intermediate and work directly with Dr. Joshi Alumkal, Leader of the U of M Prostate/Genitourinary Oncology Cancer Section. He/she will be an integral member of a research team whose focus is epigenetics and drug resistance in prostate cancer. Our laboratory focuses on identifying mechanisms by which key chromatin modifying enzymes and chromatin readers drive transcription of pathways that promote treatment resistance. We use genomics studies in prostate cancer clinical samples and prostate cancer cell line model systems and functional studies to understand this process. Our goal is to develop new, targeted treatment strategies for men with advanced prostate cancer. This individual will be responsible for carrying out experiments in the laboratory, including mouse xenograft experiments and drug treatment, protein and RNA expression and purification from mammalian cells and bacteria, qPCR, Western blotting, reporter gene analysis, tissue culture of mammalian cell lines, and transfection. Assisting with clinical sample transport and processing, and management of lab consumables and equipment, will also be important parts of this role. The job Level will be commensurate with education and experience (Associate/Intermediate). 

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Responsibilities*

The role encompasses the following duties:

• Performs cell culture, molecular biology techniques including: DNA/RNA/protein extraction, QPCR, and Western blots, etc. Performs mouse xenograft tumor growth experiments with castration, drug injections, drug gavage, tumor measurements. 
• Manage aspects of ongoing clinical trials, including sample collection, tissue and blood processing, data collection and management, and MiChart access for patient follow-up. 
• Additional laboratory duties as assigned by PI

Required Qualifications*

Research Lab Specialist Intermediate 

• Bachelors degree required and 4-5 years experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted, including relevant undergraduate and graduate student experience
• Greater than 2 years working in a laboratory environment post-college. 
• Rodent handling experience, especially with xenograft tumor growth experiments involving castration, injection and/or gavage treatment, and tumor measurements is strongly preferred.
• Strong molecular biology knowledge and skills including experience with protein expression and purification.
• Proficiency in RNA and protein purification from mammalian cells and bacteria. 
• Proficiency in cloning, expression, and purification of plasmids from bacteria.
• Proficiency with mammalian cell culture. 
• Experience in practical applications of molecular biology techniques, such as RT-qPCR, Western blotting, reporter gene analysis, and ELISA assays.
• Experience in clinical tissue and blood processing.
• Experience with clinical data collection and MiChart use is strongly preferred.
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills. Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn and implement novel experimental techniques. 
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety and ability to work carefully with potentially harmful agents. 
• Must be proficient with computers running Windows and PC applications e.g. MS Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint).

Research Lab Specialist Associate 

• Bachelor's degree and 1-3 year experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted, including relevant undergraduate and graduate student experience.

Desired Qualifications*

Candidates with Masters degree preferred

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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