Research Area Specialist Intermediate

Job Summary

This posting is for a Research Area Specialist Intermediate position in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Michigan. Our laboratory investigates cardiovascular inflammation and remodeling using high-dimensional immune phenotyping (flow and mass cytometry), molecular immunology, and murine models of myocardial infarction and heart failure. The successful candidate will take a leading technical role in immune phenotyping and assay development, will process clinical and murine samples for downstream analyses, and will train and coordinate the work of other research staff as the group expands under newly awarded funding.

The role demands independent technical judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to maintain rigorous, reproducible workflows across complex, multi-cohort experimental designs.

• Design, optimize, and execute high-dimensional immune phenotyping by flow and mass cytometry, including antibody panel design, titration, instrument acquisition, and data analysis.
• Develop, validate, and document molecular and cell-based assays, including quantitative PCR, ELISA, Meso Scale Discovery, Western blot, next-generation sequencing, and CRISPR-based approaches, and translate them into standard operating procedures.
• Maintain and culture primary and stem cell lines and process clinical and murine biological samples, including tissue dissociation and isolation of splenocytes, bone marrow, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
• Prepare and process samples for downstream analyses including flow and mass cytometry, histology, sequencing, and proteomics.
• Assist with in vivo murine procedures and tissue harvest in myocardial infarction and heart failure models, and coordinate cohort processing across studies.
• Train and functionally supervise incoming research staff, communicate instructions and protocols, and coordinate experimental workflows across the Goonewardena and Pinsky laboratory groups.
• Maintain rigorous, accurate records of experiments and sample inventories, and analyze data for publications under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Maintain a well-organized inventory of laboratory materials, place order requests with the Internal Medicine Purchasing team, and steward laboratory protocols and equipment.
• Communicate clearly and immediately about problems, uncertainty, or deviations from expected outcomes.
• Attend scheduled laboratory meetings and contribute to discussions of experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A bachelor's degree in a biological or health science discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Several years (typically three or more) of hands‑on bench research experience in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in multicolor flow cytometry, including panel design, titration, and data analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with molecular and cell‑based assays such as quantitative PCR, ELISA, Western blot, and next‑generation sequencing, together with assay development and validation.
• Experience with mammalian cell culture and with the processing of biological samples for downstream analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and document standard operating procedures and to perform repeated procedures with precision and consistency.
• Strong organizational, record‑keeping, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to report problems or uncertainty promptly.
• Comfort with online project management tools and communication platforms.
• Flexibility to conduct experiments over some weekends as needed.
• Understands and demonstrates the core concepts of Patient and Family Centered Care, including Respect and Dignity, Information Sharing, Participation, and Team Collaboration.

• A background in immunology and/or vascular biology.
• Experience with mass cytometry (CyTOF), or a demonstrated willingness to develop high‑dimensional mass cytometry capability.
• Experience with CRISPR‑based cell engineering, viral transduction (AAV or lentiviral), and high‑dimensional data analysis using Flow Jo, R, or comparable tools.
• Experience training, mentoring, or coordinating the work of other laboratory staff.
• Experience with murine tissue processing and cell isolation from heart, spleen, vascular tissues, and bone marrow.
• A record of contribution to peer‑reviewed publications.

• 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.