How to Apply

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.

Summary

A Research Laboratory Technician is sought in the Department of Neurology to assist the research group of Dr. Brett McCray. This laboratory studies the pathogenesis of a subtype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which is an inherited form of peripheral neuropathy and constitutes the most common inherited neurologic disorder worldwide. The laboratory focuses on CMT type 2C, which is caused by dominant mutations in the ion channel TRPV4 and causes weakness of the arms and legs, sensory loss, and respiratory difficulties. The laboratory studies fundamental functions of TRPV4, how mutations disrupt these functions, and potential therapeutic implications for TRPV4-targeted drugs. The ultimate goal of these pursuits is to use cell culture and animal models for development of therapeutic strategies for CMT and other neurological conditions in which nerves are damaged. The responsibilities of the individual in this position will be to assist in ongoing pursuits directed by the principal investigator and to independently pursue new projects related to the pathogenesis of TRPV4. Specific duties will include assistance with management of transgenic mouse colonies, animal drug treatments, animal behavioral testing, animal surgical procedures, animal tissue processing and histology, maintenance of cultured cells, and cellular and molecular biology experiments utilizing animal tissue and cultured cells.

Responsibilities*

Working under the supervision of Dr. McCray and, the individual will assist and conduct experiments using a variety of techniques. These include animal husbandry and genotyping, behavioral assays, electrophysiology of peripheral nerves, perfusion, animal tissue harvest, cryosectioning, immunostaining, widefield and confocal microscopy, cell culture, transient transfection, Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry, among others.

Skills You Have

Proficiency with basic laboratory skills and methods (pipetting, buffer preparation, immunofluorescence and aseptic cell culture) is required.

The ideal candidate will be highly motivated with exceptional personal initiative and communication skills.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Neuroscience, or a related field is required.
• 5-6 years of related experience, i.e., published in a field of specialty and academic knowledge in a field or discipline.

Desired Qualifications*

Prior experience with animal husbandry, cell culture, and molecular and cellular biology techniques described above is desired.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

Vaccine Requirements

COVID-19 vaccinations are required for all students, faculty and staff working in the following areas: Michigan Medicine including the Medical School, Dental School, University Health Service or the Mary A. Rackham Institute. This includes those working remotely and temporary workers. More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.