Research Lab Specialist Assoc

Job Summary

Will join a group of other research technicians who share responsibility for management of a large and complex colony of experimental mice, and in obtaining, recording, analyzing, and reporting on data from these studies. The Miller laboratory is one of a very small number of labs at UM that has sufficient expertise and documented success at mouse colony management to be given authority for self-management of their own animal colony.

The Specialist Associates in the group suggest improvements, when needed, for improved quality and new procedures, and have written and maintained the laboratory's "standard procedure manual" for review by the Institutional Committee for the Use and Care of Animals. They also design new computer databases for each experiment, enter and do quality control on many forms of data (weight, genotyping, survival, health outcomes), and present periodic reports on the dozen or so different experimental protocols under way at any given time.

They work with a very high degree of independence, meeting with the laboratory director about once in each two week period to discuss any areas of concern. The Special Associates on the team also supervise and train new employees, and also train the laboratory's graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and junior faculty members on relevant animal procedures. They interact with faculty members, at UM and at other institutions, on shipment of mice and biological samples derived from mice, again with no need for supervision by the lab director or other senior personnel.

A successful candidate will need to be completely comfortable at all routine procedures conducted on mice, including assessment of mice for health abnormalities typically seen only in older mice.

• This degree of competence usually requires at least 1 to 3 years of full-time animal care experience.
• Bachelor's degree required in a recognized field of science or learning which is directly related to the duties of the position.
• The ability to make independent decisions, and to consult and interact with other Specialists, as well as with ULAM Vet Techs, ULAM residents, and ULAM/ACO faculty is also an essential part of the job.
• The best candidates will also take the initiative to welcome new challenges and learn new methods that improve their own performance and the laboratory's success in mouse-based experimentation.

Master's Degree preferred

• 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.