University of Michigan

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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.

Job Summary

The Tzumin Lee laboratory at the Life Sciences Institute is looking for a research laboratory technician to support research on mouse brain development. Qualified applicants should have hand-on experience in mouse handling, tissue fixation, dissection, and microscopic imaging. You will be trained to perform more specialized tasks routine in the Lee lab, including assistance to in-utero electroporation of mouse embryos followed by tissue preparation for microscopic imaging and data analysis of cryo-sectioned mouse brain tissues. You will report to our mouse research team lead and will work fully onsite.

Mission Statement

The Life Sciences Institute explores biological processes, structures, and functions at the finest scale to create impact on a global scale.

For more information on the Lee laboratory: https://www.lsi.umich.edu/science/our-labs/t-lee-lab

Responsibilities*

• Mouse colony management which includes the following:
  • setting up and maintaining breeding cages
  • monitoring for successful mating through plug checks
  • weaning pups at appropriate developmental stages
  • euthanizing surplus or unneeded litters in accordance with IACUC guidelines.
• Animal protocol maintenance which includes the following:
  • daily post-operative monitoring of dams following survival surgery e.g. IUE,
  • administrating analgesics and other post-surgical care treatments as specified in animal use protocol
  • genotyping transgenic mouse lines through tissue collection through ear punch or tail snip, DNA extraction, PCR and gel electrophoresis.
• Lab vivarium space maintenance which includes the following:
  • checking and replacing charcoal filters in scavenging systems used for isofluorane anesthesia
  • ensuring levels of oxygen and nitrogen gases are available before surgical procedures
  • cleaning and sterilizing surgical tools, equipment, and workspace after procedures.
• Mouse handling and preparation for in-utero electroporation (IUE)
• Assistance to IUE
• Mouse brain fixation, dissection, and cryosection
• Confocal fluorescence imaging
• Human annotation of microscopic data

Required Qualifications*

• High School Diploma or Associate's degree
• One (1) year of experience in mouse handling
• One (1) year of experience in mouse tissue cryo-sectioning
• Excellent communication skills, in interacting effectively with researchers or interdisciplinary teams
• Intention for multi-year commitment

Desired Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in biology
• One (1) year of experience in molecular biology research
• One (1) year of experience in mouse brain dissection, cryo-sectioning and immunohistochemistry of tissues from embryonic and early post-natal stages (Embryonic Day 10.5 - Post-Natal stage 10)
• One (1) year of experience in confocal microscopy imaging including familiarity with basic image processing softwares

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

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

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.

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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.