Research Lab Specialist Senior

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.

The Cai Laboratory in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the University of Michigan Medical School seeks a Research Laboratory Specialist Senior to lead the development of transgenic tools and spatial-omics technologies for mapping mouse neural circuits. The lab builds multicolor labeling and imaging approaches, including Bitbow, to resolve neuronal identity, morphology, and connectivity s position will drive the design and validation of new Bitbow transgenic lines and multiplexed spatial assays that co-profile mRNA and protein antigens within the same tissue sample.

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the Specialist will independently conduct complex research projects, oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, train and supervise junior lab personnel, and contribute to publications, presentations, and grant applications.

The Research Laboratory Specialist Senior will design, develop, and validate novel Bitbow transgenic tools for multicolor labeling and lineage and circuit tracing in the mouse nervous system. They will also develop and optimize spatial-omics assays that co-detect mRNA transcripts and protein antigens in the same sample, combining multiplexed in situ hybridization, immunolabeling, and high-resolution imaging. The Specialist will plan and conduct large, complex experiments, evaluate results, troubleshoot methods, and make improvements to assay quality and throughput.

They will coordinate data collection, quality control, and analysis of large imaging and spatial datasets, and use the results to refine experimental approaches. The Specialist will oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment, protocols, reagent and supply management, mouse colony coordination, and safety and compliance. They will train and supervise graduate students, undergraduates, and research staff in laboratory techniques, instrumentation, and data analysis, and assist the Principal Investigator with managing project resources, monitoring budgets, and purchasing.

As a liaison with collaborators, core facilities, and other departments and institutions, the Specialist will help advance the lab's shared projects. They will also co-author manuscripts, present findings at lab meetings and scientific conferences, and contribute to grant applications and progress reports.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, as well as interpersonal skills contributing to a strong team environment are required.

Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, molecular biology, biology, or a related field, plus 5-6 years of related research experience (an equivalent combination of advanced degree and experience will be considered)

Demonstrated expertise in molecular cloning and generation or characterization of transgenic mouse lines

Hands-on experience with multiplexed tissue labeling methods (e.g., in situ hybridization, immunohistochemistry) and fluorescence microscopy

Experience independently designing and executing complex experiments and analyzing large datasets

Supervisory experience, including training and mentoring junior lab members

PhD in neuroscience, molecular/cell biology, or a related field, with postdoctoral research experience

Experience developing spatial transcriptomics or spatial proteomics assays, especially approaches that co-profile mRNA and protein in the same sample

Familiarity with Brainbow/Bitbow or other multicolor…