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.

An exciting opportunity has been created for an experienced researcher to join the Alumkal Laboratory (https://alumkal.lab.medicine.umich.edu/) at the U of M Division of Heme-Onc and the Rogel Cancer Center in Ann Arbor, MI. The individual will join as a Research Lab Specialist Intermediate and work directly with Dr. Joshi Alumkal, Leader of the U of M Prostate/Genitourinary Oncology Cancer Section. He/she will be an integral member of research team whose focus is epigenetics and drug resistance in prostate cancer.
Our laboratory focuses on identifying mechanisms by which key chromatin modifying enzymes and chromatin readers drive transcription of pathways that promote treatment resistance. We use genomics studies in prostate cancer clinical samples and prostate cancer cell line model systems and functional studies to understand this process. Our goal is to develop new, targeted treatment strategies for men with advanced prostate cancer.
The position is in a collaborative, interdisciplinary, and highly translational environment in the U of M Division of Hematology/Oncology and the Rogel Cancer Center in the U of M School of Medicine. Highly-motivated candidates with expertise in xenograft mouse models, molecular biology, and biochemistry applied to oncology basic/translational research will be most competitive for this position.
The individual will be responsible for working collaboratively across the research program focused on prostate cancer epigenetics and drug resistance. Expertise with xenograft mouse models, molecular biology, and biochemistry will be required for this position. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: maintaining a high level of professional expertise in the field; assisting and providing research ideas and input to other scientists within the laboratory; designing and executing experiments; and establishing laboratory procedures and systems that enforce and maintain a high level of organization in the lab. S/he will have the ability to gain the confidence of other scientists, and staff, and the ability to develop strategic relationships and partnerships with key constituents.
Research Lab Specialists have at least 4 years of post-graduate research experience in the practice of science and team science. They are likely to have deep expertise in a singular area of focus but may also have worked as boundary spanners across multiple fields. Preferred candidates will have demonstrated a satisfactory track record of scholarly activity including high-quality peer-reviewed publications with a record of collaborative research. A Bachelor's degree with 4-5 years of experience is required for this position.  A PhD or a Master’s degree is preferred.

Collaboratively develop and execute research experiments, determining the most suitable methods to be used. Interpret and perform complex data analysis on experimental results and determine whether they are consistent with goals. Maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature. As needed, develop innovative techniques and experimental systems to meet research program goals. Foster and support teamwork. Provide training and guidance to postdoctoral fellows, clinical research fellows, graduate students and undergraduate students. Ensure accurate and detailed records of all experimental procedures, data collections, and analysis performed.

Scientific writing and project development- Help to prepare research findings for presentation at scientific meetings and conference and manuscripts for publication. Help prepare grant applications.

Collaborative Interactions: Develop, foster and maintain relationships with partners in academia and in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries.

Bachelor's degree with 4-5 years work experience

Master's or doctoral degree

Expertise in mouse models, molecular biology, and biochemistry are strongly preferred.

Expertise in mouse colony management, animal records management, xenograft implantation, survival surgery (castration, tumor implantation, tumor extraction), tumor monitoring, drug dosing (IP, oral gavage), tail vein injection, blood draws (cardiac puncture, tail vein), and euthanasia.

Molecular biology techniques required: PCR, primer design, cell culture, transfections, transductions, Western blots, cloning. Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 KO technology, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and drug sensitivity/synergy analyses preferred.

Strong publication record. Proficient with computers, specifically MS Office (which includes, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software. Knowledge of policies and regulations applicable to the laboratory, including but not limited to safety and animal research. Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability, and independent thinker. Proven ability to work collaboratively with a high-performing and fast-paced group. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks at one time. Must have excellent written and verbal communication, analytical, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems. Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes quickly. Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships. Ability to operate complex scientific equipment and develop and troubleshoot complex experimental protocols. Demonstrated ability to build productive cross functional collaborations both internally and externally. Ability to analyze short and long term project needs. Ability to schedule, manage and coordinate multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

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.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

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.