Research Lab Specialist Inter

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing projects and hypotheses on the role of the dark proteome in cancer, as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges team ILLUMINE. The work will also liaise with the dark proteome in non-cancer samples through the GENCODE consortium.

• Non-canonical open reading frames
• RNA translational control
• RNA diagnostics

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct wet‑lab molecular biology and tissue culture experiments. Knowledge of bioinformatic analyses is considered a strength. The candidate is expected to work independently on a daily basis, with regularly scheduled meetings with the Principal Investigator.

• Advance research projects with a multi‑omic focus, employing ribosome profiling, RNA‑sequencing and epitranscriptomic profiling.
• Execute experiments for tissue culture, in vitro bioassays, and small molecule treatments. Operate and maintain laboratory equipment to complete investigations. Document, compile, and analyze experimental data. Report data to supervisor in oral and written reports. Attend team meetings and contribute to experimental planning.
• Nurture a lab culture that is collaborative, supportive and scientifically adventurous.
• Maintain and develop collaborations to advance the scientific work.
• Other related tasks as required.

• Bachelor's degree in the life sciences.
• 4-5 years of experience in a related field.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted, including relevant undergraduate and graduate student work experience.

• Master?s degree in the life sciences.
• At least 2 years of direct research experience.
• Prior experience with mammalian tissue culture, DNA/RNA molecular assays, protein biology, and
  -omics is desired.
• Experience with molecular techniques such as PCR, RNA extraction and DNA extraction, is required.
• Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, lab notebook practices and attention to detail are critically essential.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed.
• Ability to handle a variety of tasks in a fast‑paced environment, large complex experiments, and large data sets, all of which demand great attention to detail.
• Basic computational skills with sequencing data analysis in R is preferred.
• Ability and eagerness to learn in a self‑motivating environment.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

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.