Apply Now

Mission Statement

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.

Who We Are

The Prensner laboratory (https://prensnerlab.org) and Koschmann laboratory (https://www.koschmannlab.org) at Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center in the Department of Pediatric Oncology are looking for an exceptional candidate for a unique Research Laboratory Technician position. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort aiming to bring genomic insights of pediatric brain tumors into the clinic.

This position will help the lab grow into clinical operations such as sample biobanking, sample processing, and correlative molecular studies with pediatric cancer patients receiving active treatment. Uniquely, this position will offer engagement with both labs to achieve multidisciplinary research goals.

PRENSNER LAB ENVIRONMENT

The Prensner Lab (https://prensnerlab.org) seeks to create a lab culture based on respect, integrity, perseverance, and fun. We aspire to be creative and collaborative scientists who are societally engaged. We regularly collaborate with labs both nationally and globally. We welcome applicants of all kinds. 

 

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day 2:1 Match on retirement savingsResponsibilities*

OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY
Under direct supervision of the Principal Investigator perform technical support to drive scientific research in the field of pediatric neuro-oncology. Participate in supervising junior research staff and support personal. 

The overall responsibilities of this role will focus on lab efforts to study patient blood samples and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for clues about their cancer.  The goal of this work is to develop blood-based and CSF-based tests that will benefit pediatric brain cancer patients.  Additional aspects of this job will coordinate with sample acquisition and sample sharing for childhood cancer research.  The projects will require the candidate to liaise with hospital staff and laboratory staff to acquire patient samples, execute processing of samples, and engage with patient medical records.

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Independently execute tasks involving blood-based and CSF-based assay development for pediatric brain cancer patients (30%)Lead organization, collection, and characterization of human samples, including informed consent discussions with patients.Perform blood sample processing and characterization, and supervise/training lab members in these experiments Assist in assay development for blood-based analyte measurement.Assist in the analysis of drug pharmacokinetics for pediatric brain cancer patients on clinical trials (30%):Contribute to multiple clinical trials occurring at the University of Michigan, including PNOC022, PNOC023, and upcoming PNOC035.Maintain and manage patient sample records for correlative records of treatment with assay results.Assist with sample processing for molecular analysis.Liaise with the University of Michigan Pharmacokinetics Core and interpret data.Participate in multi-institutional pediatric brain tumor sample biobanking efforts through the Children?s Brain Tumor Network (CBTN), the Rare Brain Tumor Consortium (RBTC), and institutional University of Michigan autopsy sample procurement (20%).Assist other team members in their projects (20%).Independently implement technical procedures for assignments.Participate in laboratory meetingsResponsible for accurate record-keeping Interact with collaborators as necessary to provide interpretation of study resultsCommunicate and make recommendations to other scientists in the team Train personnel in existing laboratory techniques and procedures, explain and demonstrate technology and equipment capabilities, operation limitation and outcomes 

Supervision Received

Direction is received from the Principal Investigator. Staff members in this classification are expected to work independently and in collaboration with other laboratory personnel, regularly exercise good judgment in setting priorities, resolving operational problems and the application of procedures, methods and policies. 

Supervision Exercised 

Functional supervision may be exercised over lab assistant, graduate and undergraduate students and other junior personnel

Required Qualifications*

Education

High School Diploma or Associate's Degree

Experience

1-3 years of experience 

 

Desired Qualifications*

Education

Bachelor's or master?s degree in the life sciences or other relevant discipline.

Experience

At least 1 year of relevant professional experience

Skills and abilities

Excellent skills with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and GraphPad Prism.  Experience working in a cancer biology laboratory, including knowledge of how to operate and maintain basic laboratory equipmentHands-on experience with cellular and molecular experiments in childhood cancer research, including tissue culture of brain cancer cells, nucleic acid isolation, and other BSL-2 techniquesExceptional organization and attention to detail are essential, related to lab maintenance tasks and experimental protocols.Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with patients, families, all levels of staff, and with external contacts are needed. Ability and eagerness to learn in a self-motivating environment.

 

 

Modes of Work

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.

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.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.