Research Laboratory Specialist 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

The Biomedical Research Core Facilities Advanced Genomics Core is looking for a skilled research technician to join us full time as a Research Laboratory Specialist. The incumbent will assist in developing, deploying and executing protocols on DNA/RNA for our research community. This role will support next generation sequencing by performing library preparations, quality control, and in operations of many of our sequencing instruments.

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*

• Prepare libraries for both short and long read next-generation sequencing platforms, starting from RNA or DNA specimens. Ensure that the input RNA and DNA conform to the core's standards for library creation by performing a range of quality control tests, such as fluorescent, spectrophotometric, and electrophoretic assays. Assist with implementation of new protocols for DNA and RNA library preparation and sequencing, with a focus on high-throughput process development.

• Conduct quality control assessments for both in-house and client-prepared libraries. Evaluate the size of the library inserts and their quality parameters. Identify and record any samples or batches that do not pass the quality control checks. Adhere to the core's standard operating procedures to decide on subsequent actions. Keep accurate records indicating when samples are cleared to advance to the subsequent phase of the sequencing process. Prepare libraries for pooling and sequencing using multiple QC results qPCR results as a guide to balance the data output.

• Operation of sequencing instruments from Illumina, Singular Genomics, and Oxford Nanopore, encompassing library clustering and sequencing adhering to proven protocols. Responsibilities involve performing post-run and regular maintenance cleaning procedures, conducting diagnostic checks for troubleshooting purposes, and liaising with vendor technical support by providing relevant feedback. Monitoring the progress and quality metrics of sequencing runs is also a key duty. Additional instrumentation responsibilities include use of existing programs on automated liquid handlers.

• Assist in developing, deploying and executing protocols to improve operations in the Advanced Genomics Core. Tasks may include but are not limited to inventory management, quality control tracking, and efficiency enhancement.

Required Qualifications*

Candidates should possess a bachelor's degree in a related field such as biochemistry, cell biology, or molecular biology, though a master's degree is preferred. They should also have 4-5 years of practical experience with fundamental molecular biology techniques like DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sequencing. A thorough understanding of core lab practices is critical, including adeptness in pipetting, making reagents, and ensuring aseptic conditions to prevent contamination. Experience with common molecular biology instruments, including centrifuges, thermocyclers, spectrophotometers, microscopes, and high-throughput sequencing devices, is important. Computer proficiency is mandatory for the role, specifically with standard office programs like Microsoft Word and Excel. An ideal applicant will be detailed-oriented in the laboratory and with documentation, capable of working autonomously and collaboratively within a diverse team, particularly when tasked with delivering prompt results under time constraints.

Desired Qualifications*

Preferred qualifications include proficiency in handling and programming a range of laboratory apparatuses, including instrumentation from Hamilton, Formulatrix, Tecan, Beckman Coulter, Eppendorf, or similar platforms. Practical knowledge of next-generation sequencing library preparation and the operation of instruments from PacBio, Illumina, Singular Genomics, Oxford Nanopore, or Element Biosciences is highly desirable. Additional experience with cellular techniques, immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and the preparation of tissue samples including fixation, cryopreservation, and the sectioning of both paraffin-embedded and frozen specimens will be considered an asset.

Work Locations

Position is located at the North Campus Research Complex. Not eligible for remote work.

Additional Information

Michigan Medicine values a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Here at the Biomedical Research Core Facilities (BRCF), our dedication to customer service is inseparable from our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It is central to our mission as an institutional resource to ensure that each member of our community has full opportunity to thrive in our environment, for we believe that diversity is key to individual flourishing, educational excellence and the advancement of knowledge.

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.

Job Detail

Job Opening ID

248934

Working Title

Research Laboratory Specialist Intermediate

Job Title

Research Lab Specialist Inter

Work Location

Ann Arbor Campus

Ann Arbor, MI

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Regular/Temporary

Regular

FLSA Status

Exempt

Organizational Group

Medical School

Department

MM BRCF Advanced Genomics Core

Posting Begin/End Date

5/17/2024 - 6/07/2024

Career Interest

Research

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