Research Lab Specialist

Please review the job summary and apply with a cover letter stating your interest in the position and outline skills and experience that relate to this position along with research interests, career aspiration.

The Laboratory of Dr. Catherine Kaczorowski is seeking a highly organized and skilled research laboratory specialist (associate-lead) in genetic mechanisms that promote resilience to AD at the cellular level. The successful candidate for this position will be responsible for performing patch-seq experiments using brain slice electrophysiology and cell culture models to measure intrinsic and synaptic plasticity in mice resilient to developing cognitive deficits despite harboring causal mutations (see Neuner et al., 2019, Neuron). This role requires a high level of self-motivation and organization, along with the ability and willingness to acquire new skills. The candidate must be capable of working independently as well as in a team environment. The Kaczorowski lab is a well-funded and collaborative team, with leadership that values supporting high-quality training, opportunities for travel by presenting and conferences, and recognition for contributions with authorship on publications and opportunities for career development.

The Kaczorowski lab is in the Department of Neurology at the University of Michigan Medical School located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The city is ranked among the top 10 places to live in the U.S, with a community that is culturally rich, diverse, and pedestrian/bike friendly. The Michigan Neuroscience Institute (MNI) continues to be a leader in innovative, collaborative, and visionary research in the areas of brain science and brain impacting diseases. MNI?s cross-disciplinary research portfolio reflects the full range of basic and translational projects from molecular analyses to animal models to human applications. More information about the Kaczorowski lab can be found at or on Twitter @KaczorowskiLab.

The successful candidate will be able to plan, develop, execute, and analyze an independent research project in the context of a supportive lab and institutional environment. In addition, they will help train undergraduate research assistants and junior technicians in the lab. We are looking for someone who has the aptitude to learn new techniques, works well with others, and possesses strong critical thinking skills.

• Uses patch clamp electrophysiology in acute brain slices to record neuronal activity and measure intrinsic and synaptic plasticity, fill and label neurons for subsequent morphological characterization, and preserve nuclei for subsequent transcriptomics.
• Proactively identifies problems, troubleshoots, and analyzes variations observed and reported in regular testing protocols; develops, modifies, refines, or adapts techniques and procedures; modifies and/or adjusts quality control measures.
• Monitors documentation of results; reviews and recognizes documentation which may lead to modification and adaptation of research methodologies; may collaborate with others.
• Plans and monitors resources needed to operate the laboratory; maintains chemical inventory.
• Leads exchange of research information through demonstration and instruction.
• Assists with the creation of posters, manuscripts, and presentations for meetings and grants.
• Is organized, responsible, and reports results clearly and efficiently to supervisor.
• Records all information, daily, in an official electronic laboratory notebook.
• Other duties as assigned.

This position is posted with an underfill. Individual requirements for each level are as follows:

• Associate: Bachelor's degree in a related field and 1+ years of experience.
• Intermediate: Bachelor's degree in a related field and 4+ years of experience.
• Senior: Master's degree preferred and 5+ years of experience.
• Lead: Master's degree and 6+ years of experience.

• Mouse handling and husbandry skills preferred.
• Familiarity with the preparation and use of acute mouse brain slices.
• Ability to communicate information verbally clearly and concisely and in written form.
• Must be a strong team player and posses excellent listening and speaking skills.
• Ability to work flexible shifts (evening/weekend/holiday)
• Experience with statistical analysis; interprets and evaluates results and compiles data for peer and PI review.

Research laboratory specialist senior or lead desired qualifications:

• Has experience (5+ years) with brain slice electrophysiology.
• Helps train personnel in electrophysiological techniques and data analysis.
• Helps develop and lead the direction of scientific inquiry, including devising and implementing hypotheses, analysis, and interpretation of data.
• Ability to work in a demanding, fast-paced, team-oriented environment, while maintaining a high level of professionalism.
• Computer skills for data documentation, analysis, and presentation (Word, Excel, PowerPoint or equivalents) are required. Coding skills (R, Python, or equivalent) are desired.
• Demonstrated team player with a professional, positive attitude and willingness to be flexible.

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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.

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.

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.

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

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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