Job Description

Job Summary
The Department of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan, School of Public Health is seeking a full-time research laboratory specialist for a global health infectious diseases research group. In that capacity, the position will conduct testing human serum samples for viral respiratory diseases, establish new laboratory assays, and develop standardized operating procedures and quality control databases. In addition to the benchwork and data management, the position will use their expertise in infectious disease research to manage the lab including procurement, equipment maintenance, and shipping and receiving samples while supervising a team of 1-3 full-time technicians and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students to ensure project milestones are met.

Responsibilities*
Contribute to ongoing research projects. Projects include testing of human serum samples for influenza antibodies and molecular diagnostics of viral respiratory pathogens. Establish new techniques/assays in the laboratory as needed. Assist other lab members in executing experiments when necessary.
General laboratory administration, including ordering and inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies. Oversee purchasing, shipping and receiving. Arrange for equipment maintenance and repair. Interact with other research groups and business entities outside of the University.
Develop laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures and databases. This includes entering in laboratory results and performing periodic quality control checks of databases. Work with group data manager to maintain a inventory database of samples.
Train and supervise 1-3 full time laboratory technicians including monitoring hours and providing technical support and mentoring to ensure they keep projects on track and monitor their progress. Train and supervise graduate and undergraduate students in the proper use and maintenance of equipment, and preparation of solutions, media, etc. as well as guiding and monitoring that student tasks are being performed as needed.
Travel to attend trainings for new laboratory techniques and work with collaborators.
Other research duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications*
Minimum of a Masters degree in Biological Sciences, Medical technology or closely related area with 5-6 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Applicant should have academic knowledge of Biological Sciences and the ability to apply that knowledge in a laboratory setting.
Excellent skills in written and oral communications, organization and planning; supervisory, interpersonal and management skills necessary for interaction with staff and collaborators.
Desired Qualifications*
Prior Supervisory and laboratory-based experience with serological techniques (ELISA, ELLA, PCR, or HAI), qPCR and/or viral culture is a plus.
Experience with multiplex immunoassays for simultaneous detection of cytokines, antibodies, and other biomarkers.
Experience with relevant software, e.g. Freezerworks, Word, Access, Excel, and databases.