Research Lab Specialist Lead

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.

Located within the NCRC, our lab uses collaboration and the unique strengths of our team members to gain pathogenic insights into glandular immunobiology, improving quality of life and developing cures for patients with dryness and autoimmunity. We have a focus on Sjogren's disease, a systemic autoimmune disease that causes severe dryness but also affects other organ systems. This disease has no disease-modifying treatment.

We focus on bench‑to‑bedside to implement our science to improve human health. We invite applications from researchers with a background in dental/oral craniofacial biology, molecular biology, microbiology, systems biology, or closely related fields. Research includes investigating the JAK/STAT pathway signaling as it relates to the immunobiology of mesenchymal stromal cells (with a focus on salivary gland mesenchymal stromal cells) to understand dryness and autoimmunity.

Studies will be conducted with cell lines, mouse models, and human samples. We routinely collaborate with other labs and investigators internally and externally. These activities are expected to lead to scholarly work that will be published in scientific journals and presented at national and international meetings. The Research Lab Specialist will work independently under the direction of faculty investigators. Appointment is intended as an advanced position with independent operation within an effective team structure for individuals with a deep insight into the immunobiology of Sjogren's disease and advanced medical knowledge supporting scientific reasoning.

• Identifies research problems and develops complex research methodologies and procedures
• Collects and analyzes complex research data, conducts experiments and interviews, and documents results according to established policies and procedures under general supervision
• Attends and assists with the facilitation of scholarly events and presentations in support of continued professional development and the dissemination of research information
• Writes or assists in developing grant applications and proposals to secure research funding
• May supervise the day‑to‑day activities of a research unit as needed
• Serves as a unit subject matter expert and liaison to internal and external stakeholders providing advanced level information and representing the interests of a specialized research area
• Assist with collecting, organizing, and maintaining research data.
• Support laboratory, clinical, computational, or administrative research activities related to Sjogren’s disease studies.
• Conduct literature reviews and summarize scientific publications.
• Assist with sample processing, data entry, quality control procedures, and record keeping.
• Prepare research materials, reports, presentations, and study documentation.
• Participate in laboratory meetings, educational activities, and research discussions.
• Learn and apply research methods, laboratory procedures, and data management practices.
• Perform other research support activities as assigned.

• 6+ years of related experience, i.e., published in a field of specialty and academic knowledge in a field or discipline.
• PhD in dental/oral craniofacial biology, molecular biology, microbiology, systems biology, or other closely related field
• Clinical degree including dental and or medical degrees
• Expertise in Flow Cytometry
• Expertise in cell culture including organoid generation
• Mouse handling experience
• A minimum of continuous 3 years post‑PhD hands on bench research
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated…