Research Lab Specialist Lead

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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

The Smith laboratory at the Life Sciences Institute is looking for a research laboratory specialist with a background in the molecular aspects of flavivirus pathogenesis, molecular biology, virology, and data analysis to join our research team. The Smith Lab employs state-of-the art research approaches to understand develop a structure-based understanding of viral pathogenesis. You will report directly to Dr. Smith.

Responsibilities*

Experimental job responsibilities will include:

-       Participate in multiple research projects on molecular aspects of flavivirus pathogenesis, including protein production in recombinant eukaryotic and bacterial cells

-       Perform various analyses of viral protein function, including measurement of affinity to host factors, mutagenesis, construction expression plasmids

-       Conduct basic electron microscopic imaging

Non-experimental job responsibilities will include:

-       Mentor graduate and undergraduate students

-       Write manuscripts on the research work, including bibliography construction

-       Perform some shared group responsibilities, including ordering and preparing shared reagents

Required Qualifications*

-       PhD degree in microbiology, immunology, molecular biology, or related field (e.g. cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry)

-       Four (4) years of experience and considerable knowledge of flavivirus biology

-       Four (4) years of independent research experience in molecular virology research with techniques including: cloning; DNA, RNA and protein analysis; cell culture work with insect and/or mammalian cells; immunofluorescence; flow cytometry; western-blotting; and ELISA

-       Four (4) years of experience with BSL2 practices and procedures

-       Four (4) years of experience independently designing and carrying out research plan and experiments

-       Four (4) years of experience writing and editing manuscripts

-       Four (4) years of experience analyzing laboratory data, including the basic quantification, colocalization and ELISA analysis

-       Excellent interpersonal skills; strong writing and communication skills

Desired Qualifications*

-       One (1) year of experience in different microscopy principles, including confocal microscopy and basic electron microscopy

-       One (1) year of experience with density gradient ultracentrifugation, stable cell clone construction, and fluorescence in-situ hybridization

-       One (1) year of experience in Python or R scripting

Additional Information

Benefits at the University of 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

-       Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

-       Dental and Vision Insurance

-       Life insurance

-       Long-term disability coverage

-       Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

-       Maternity and Parental Leave

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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