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.

About the Life Sciences Institute:

The Life Sciences Institute (LSI) is a multi-disciplinary research institute at the University of Michigan, strategically located as a bridge between the medical campus and the central-campus schools and colleges. Our mission is to advance the understanding of the fundamental processes of life, and to pioneer new ideas to improve human health.

The LSI’s world-class faculty members hold joint appointments at the LSI, where their labs are located, and a variety of schools and colleges across the university. They bring broad and diverse expertise — ranging from cell biology to medicine, from chemistry to structural biology. The institute’s philosophy is to provide our faculty and their teams with superior scientific tools and administrative support, allowing them to spend more time focused on what really matters — their research.

The institute’s administrative staff supports all aspects of unit operations including facilities, IT, human resources, finance, research administration, academic programs, communications and development.  

In addition to faculty labs, the LSI houses several core technology labs that support the research enterprise of the entire university, including a high-throughput screening center (Center for Chemical Genomics), a comprehensive cloning and macromolecular X-ray crystallography facility (Center for Structural Biology), a comprehensive microbial biodiversity, fermentation and metabolite analytics facility (Natural Products Discovery Core) and a state-of-the-art cryo-electron microscopy facility. The LSI also plays a key role in administering campus-wide programs like the U-M Program in Chemical Biology, Michigan Drug Discovery, and Michigan Life Sciences Fellows.

The LSI is committed to the principle that fostering diversity, equity and inclusion within the institute — and in the next generation of scientific leaders — is inseparable from our commitment to scientific excellence and achievement.

The laboratory of Roger Cone, at the Life Sciences Institute at the University of Michigan, is seeking a highly-motivated research laboratory technician.  Our laboratory is focused on understanding how the central nervous system regulates energy stores. The applicant will help assist with defined research projects under the guidance of a team of research investigators.  You will focus on mouse husbandry and molecular genetic techniques.

• Handle small mammals (breeding and genotyping mouse colonies and transgenic lines)
• Candidate may also be involved in animal experiments including mouse behavioral analyses, metabolic analyses, and harvesting of tissues
• Compliance with University of Michigan safety and animal care regulations
• Perform standard molecular biology experiments including DNA and RNA isolations, restriction digests, gel electrophoresis, DNA sequencing, protein isolation, PCR, and qPCR
• Collect, analyze, and process laboratory samples
• Demonstrate an understanding of acceptable procedures and techniques
• Follow University safety protocols (may include use of combustibles, toxic material, and carcinogens)
• Maintain well-organized, written records of experimental results
• Prepare reagents
• Order supplies and reagents

• BS in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology or a related discipline
• 1 year of laboratory research experience
• Expected to analyze and present data, with training as needed
• Design experiments and be willing to work with mice as a model system

• Minimum of 1 year of mouse breeding and colony management
• Minimum of 1 year of DNA preparation and PCR
• Minimum of 1 year of mouse behavioral and/or metabolic research experience

Benefits at the University of Michigan

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future.  Benefits include:

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental, vision and legal insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

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