Research Area Specialist Senior/Intermediate/Associate

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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 CV. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The Goforth Lab is seeking a highly motivated and skilled research specialist to join our team in investigating the neural control of energy balance and motivated behaviors. Our laboratory uses electrophysiology and calcium imaging techniques to examine the regulation of specific neuronal populations from multiple animal models. The successful candidate will work closely with the research team to design and conduct experiments aimed at understanding the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying these processes.

This is a full time position with competitive salary and benefits package. The position will be located in the Caswell Diabetes Institute and Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

• Perform electrophysiology experiments using patch clamp techniques in ex vivo brain slices
• Conduct ex vivo calcium imaging experiments
• Conduct in vivo photometry and optogenetic experiments using animal models
• Maintain and operate electrophysiology and imaging equipment
• Design and execute experiments in collaboration with the research team
• Analyze and interpret data, and prepare figures and manuscripts for publication
• Assist in the training of other lab members in electrophysiology and imaging techniques

Required Qualifications*

Senior Level

• Ph.D. degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field
• 5+ years’ experience with patch clamp techniques         

Intermediate Level

• Master’s degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field
• 4+ years’ experience with patch clamp techniques

Associate Level

• Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biology, or related field
• 2+ years’ experience with patch clamp techniques

All levels

• Experience in data analysis and interpretation
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment

In order to be considered for this position the applicant must have met or will have met all the required qualifications prior to the start date of employment.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with microscopy and live cell imaging
• Experience with in vivo imaging and photometry techniques
• Experience with optogenetics and/or chemogenetics
• Experience using Matlab software
• Knowledge of neural circuits involved in energy balance and motivated behaviors
• Publication record in electrophysiology of fluorescence-based live cell imaging research

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.