Research Lab Specialist Associate

Job Summary

The APS Research Laboratories at the University of Michigan are seeking a motivated Research Lab Specialist Associate to join a collaborative research program investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms that connect autoimmunity, inflammation, and thrombosis. Our laboratory studies how immune and vascular cells, particularly neutrophils and platelets, contribute to autoimmune and thromboinflammatory diseases. Current projects combine mechanistic studies using primary human cells and patient-derived samples with biochemical, cell culture, imaging, flow cytometry, and mouse-based approaches. Areas of active investigation include neutrophil activation, interactions between neutrophils and platelets, extracellular vesicles, inflammatory signaling pathways, and experimental models of thrombosis and vascular dysfunction.

The successful candidate will work closely with physicians, senior researchers, postdoctoral fellows, and students. Day-to-day training and supervision will be provided by a senior member of the laboratory. The position is well suited for an individual who enjoys learning and applying a variety of experimental approaches. Specific responsibilities may be tailored to the successful candidate's prior experience and strengths, as well as the evolving needs of the research program.

Responsibilities

The Research Lab Specialist Associate will contribute to the design, execution, analysis, and documentation of experiments addressing mechanisms of autoimmunity and thromboinflammation. Responsibilities may include:

• Isolating and working with primary human blood cells, including neutrophils and platelets.
• Performing mammalian cell culture and cell-based stimulation and functional assays.
• Conducting biochemical and molecular assays, including immunoblotting, ELISA, protein purification, and analysis of cell-derived vesicles and inflammatory mediators.
• Performing flow cytometry, imaging flow cytometry, and fluorescence or confocal microscopy.
• Conducting mouse experiments, including injections, blood and tissue collection, tissue processing, and experimental models of inflammation and thrombosis.
• Processing and analyzing human and mouse biospecimens.
• Maintaining detailed and accurate experimental records and organizing study data.
• Analyzing experimental results, preparing figures, and presenting findings at laboratory meetings.
• Assisting with the development and optimization of experimental protocols.
• Working collaboratively with other laboratory members and investigators.
• Maintaining laboratory supplies, equipment, and shared workspaces.
• Contributing, as appropriate, to manuscripts, abstracts, progress reports, and other scientific communications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular or cellular biology, or a related scientific field.
• Previous hands-on laboratory experience gained through employment, research training, or substantial undergraduate research.
• Strong organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate experimental records.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based research environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to learn new experimental techniques.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred but not required:
  • Primary human cell isolation or culture.
  • Mammalian cell culture.
  • Protein biochemistry, immunoblotting, ELISA, or related biochemical methods.
  • Flow cytometry or imaging flow cytometry.
  • Fluorescence or confocal microscopy.
  • Mouse-based experimental procedures.
  • Tissue collection, histology, or immunostaining.
  • Quantitative analysis of experimental data using programs such as FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, or RStudio.
  • Prior research related to immunology, autoimmunity, inflammation, hematology, vascular biology, or thrombosis.

Benefits

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day.
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings.

Schedule

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.