Life Sciences Jobs at University of Michigan
Looking to advance your career with meaningful Life Sciences Jobs in a world-class research environment? This Research Lab Specialist Associate role at the University of Michigan offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of protein engineering and synthetic biology. Ideal for professionals and those seeking a strong job opportunity for life science graduates, this position stands out among the top jobs in the USA and competitive Research Associate Jobs.
About the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a leading public research university renowned for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and global impact. Through its Life Sciences Institute, the university advances fundamental biological research while offering some of the most respected life sciences jobs in academia. Its commitment to excellence, diversity, and public service makes it a top destination for Research Associate Jobs and Jobs Opportunity for life science graduates worldwide.
Life Sciences Job Details:
- Job Title: Research Lab Specialist Associate / Lab Manager
- Organization: University of Michigan – Life Sciences Institute
- Department: Life Sciences Institute – Administration
- Laboratory: Wang Laboratory
- Location: Ann Arbor Campus, Ann Arbor, MI
- Work Mode: Fully Onsite
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular
- FLSA Status: Exempt
- Career Interest: Research
- Job Opening ID: 272722
- Salary Range: $53,000 – $60,000
Position Overview
The Wang Laboratory at the University of Michigan Life Sciences Institute is seeking a Research Lab Specialist Associate / Lab Manager to support its research program in protein engineering and synthetic biology. The role combines hands-on experimental research with laboratory management and operational leadership.
Reporting directly to Dr. Wang, the successful candidate will manage day-to-day laboratory operations while contributing to molecular biology and chemical biology research. The position is fully onsite.
Research Focus of the Wang Lab
- Protein engineering
- Synthetic biology
- Molecular biology
- Chemical biology
Key Responsibilities
Experimental Duties
- Maintain supplies of:
- Cell culture plates
- Media
- Competent cells
- Laboratory reagents
- Perform molecular biology techniques including:
- PCR amplification
- Restriction enzyme-based cloning
- Maintain stocks of communal reagents (e.g., TLC stains)
- Maintain mammalian cell cultures
- Perform mammalian cell-based experiments
Laboratory Management & Administrative Duties
- Serve as Laboratory Manager and Safety Liaison
- Maintain laboratory safety, hygiene, and compliance
- Enforce safe laboratory practices
- Represent the Wang Lab at Life Sciences Institute lab manager meetings
- Communicate institutional updates to lab members
- Purchase supplies and maintain inventory of lab materials and equipment
- Coordinate with PI to ensure accurate charging of lab expenditures
- Oversee onboarding and offboarding of lab members
- Manage reagent shipping and receiving in compliance with regulations
- Maintain lab data infrastructure
- Organize lab activities including:
- Group meetings
- Celebrations (candidacy exams, defenses)
- Lab outings
- Mentor undergraduate and graduate students
Required Qualifications for Life Sciences Jobs
- Bachelor’s degree in:
- Biological Sciences
- Chemical Biology-related fields (e.g., Biochemistry, Molecular & Cellular Biology)
- Minimum 2 years experience working in a chemistry or biochemistry laboratory
- Minimum 2 years hands-on experience with:
- Molecular cloning
- Bacterial culturing
- Mammalian cell culturing
- Immunofluorescence
- Minimum 1 year experience in laboratory operations management, including:
- Oversight of daily lab activities
- Staff supervision
- Protocol development
- Training in laboratory procedures and safety
- Minimum 1 year experience supporting collaborative research through:
- Organizing meetings
- Setting agendas
- Tracking action items
- Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
- Demonstrated ability to foster a respectful and productive team culture
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in Biological Sciences
- Minimum 2 years experience maintaining synthetic chemistry or biochemistry lab equipment
- Experience with:
- Restriction enzyme-based cloning
- Directed evolution
- Computational protein design
- Minimum 2 years experience with:
- Mammalian cell culture
- DNA transfection
- AAV and lentivirus preparation and handling
Benefits for Life Sciences Jobs
The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Multiple health insurance plan options
- Generous paid time off
- Retirement plan with 2:1 matching contributions
- Dental, vision, and legal insurance
- Life insurance
- Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care)
- Maternity and parental leave
Application InstructionsÂ
A cover letter is required and must be included as the first page of the resume
- The cover letter should:
- Describe your interest in the position
- Highlight skills and experience directly relevant to the role
Additional Information
- Background checks are required for all finalists
- Review may begin as early as the 8th day after posting
- The position may be filled before the posting closes.
