Research Lab Specialist Inter

Job Summary

Michigan Center for Translation Pathology (MCTP) is seeking an energetic, highly motivated individual for a Research Lab Specialist Intermediate/Associate in the therapeutic oncology team. The successful candidate is expected to thrive in a fast‑paced dynamic environment. In this role, the candidate will work as part of a team screening small molecule inhibitors/protein degraders and performing functional validation for targeted therapy of cancer in vitro (30%) and in vivo (70%).

The candidate will perform routine laboratory experimental procedures in one or more areas of work under the supervision of the Principal Investigator.

• Maintain and manage mouse breeding colonies, including genotyping, setting up mating cages, and monitoring animal health and survival.
• Perform aseptic animal surgeries, including castration, ovariectomy, and tumor implantation into renal capsule, mammary fat pad, pancreas, prostate, and subcutaneous sites.
• Administer drugs in mice (and occasionally rats) via oral gavage, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injection.
• Conduct full necropsies in mice (and occasionally rats) for collection of tumors and various organs.
• Monitor tumor growth using caliper measurements and bioluminescence imaging (IVIS), depending on the tumor model.
• Prepare compounds for in vivo studies including formulation and preparation for various drug delivery methods.
• Perform correlative studies associated with in vivo experiments, including histology preparation, tissue embedding, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and organization/archiving of samples (FFPE blocks, frozen tissues, histology slides, etc.).
• Routine cell culture maintenance: passaging of adherent and suspension cells, freezing and recovering cell lines, and keep good record for cell line bank.
• Develop and maintain primary cell culture or organoid from patients and mouse models.
• Functional assay: perform protein, RNA and gDNA extraction from cells and tumor tissue, western blot, confocal microscopy slide preparation, qPCR.
• Collect and analyze data from experiments, documenting findings and presenting them to the research team.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental procedures and results.
• Collaborate with other members of the research team to ensure research projects are completed on time and meet quality standards.
• Assist with maintaining laboratory equipment, ensuring it is properly calibrated and functioning correctly.
• Follow all laboratory safety protocols and procedures.

• Bachelor's degree in Pharmacology, Immunology, Biology, or related field.
• 4‑5 years of experience in biology related research for intermediate level, and 1‑2 year of experience for associate level. Research Lab Specialist Intermediate position may be underfilled with Associate level, which is dependent on the candidate's qualification.
• Animal aseptic surgery experience.
• Experience on establishment of cancer xenograft mouse model and administration of therapeutic agents.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to instruct junior lab members.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Graph Pad, and other scientific software programs.

• Molecular biology, Cancer biology, and immunology research lab experience.
• Familiar with Pub Med or other literature search portals.
• Experience on data organization and presentation to principal investigator.

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

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.