Research Job at Michigan Medicine | Life Sciences | Apply Now
If you are looking to secure a Research Job that operates at the very edge of genomic discovery, the Prensner Laboratory at the University of Michigan’s Chad Carr Pediatric Brain Tumor Center is offering a truly unique opportunity. As a Research Lab Specialist Associate, you will join the “ILLUMINE” team—a Cancer Grand Challenges initiative—to explore the “dark proteome” and its role in pediatric cancers. This Life Science Job is perfect for a self-motivated researcher who wants to master advanced -omics technologies while building a long-term University of Michigan career in one of the most livable and highly educated cities in the United States.
- Job Title: Research Lab Specialist Assoc
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Job Opening ID: 275568
About The Organization
Michigan Medicine is the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, comprising the U-M Medical School, over 30,000 employees, and a vast network of specialized centers like the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center and the Rogel Cancer Center. Michigan Medicine consistently ranks among the top hospitals and medical schools nationally. As the home to the Collins and Kim laboratories, the Department of Pathology is a powerhouse of discovery, focusing on the molecular basis of disease. A Life Science Job within this department provides access to cutting-edge core facilities, including advanced flow cytometry and next-generation sequencing suites. Working here offers more than just a Research Job; it places you in the heart of Ann Arbor, a vibrant intellectual hub known for its high quality of life and proximity to a thriving biotech corridor.
About the Laboratory & Your Role
The Prensner Lab is a core part of Michigan Medicine’s effort to dissect the genomic basis of cancer. By joining this team, you are contributing to a global research effort aimed at understanding the “dark proteome”—the vast array of proteins that are not yet well-characterized but likely hold the key to new cancer therapies. You will collaborate with national and international labs as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges team, ILLUMINE. The lab focuses on how non-canonical translation and epitranscriptomic modifications drive disease states in multiple cancer types. You will interact with top academic teams across the medical school, cancer center, and basic science departments.
Key Responsibilities For This Research Job
In this Research Job, you will dedicate the majority of your effort to executing cutting-edge molecular profiling and modeling different cell states.
Molecular and Biochemical Profiling (50% Effort)
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Ribosome Profiling (Ribo-seq): Map the exact positions of ribosomes on mRNA to understand real-time translation in cancerous cells.
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RNA-Sequencing: Perform high-throughput sequencing to analyze the transcriptome and gene expression patterns.
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Epitranscriptomic Profiling: Investigate biochemical modifications of RNA that regulate its function and stability.
Cell Modeling and Assay Development (20% Effort)
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Tissue Culture: Maintain and model various cell states using both cancerous and non-cancerous mammalian cell lines.
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In Vitro Assays: Execute a pipeline of bioassays and small molecule treatments to test therapeutic hypotheses.
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Genetic Engineering: Utilize advanced tools like CRISPR, lentivirus, or RNAi to manipulate gene expression and observe functional outcomes.
Qualifications & Requirements for this Life Science Job
The University of Michigan is looking for an exceptional candidate with a solid foundation in molecular biology and a high degree of organizational precision.
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Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the life sciences is required.
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Experience: Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree with at least 2 years of undergraduate research experience. While not required, at least 1 year of post-undergraduate research experience is preferred.
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Technical Skills: Hands-on experience with mammalian tissue culture and molecular techniques like PCR and RNA/DNA extraction is mandatory.
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Mindset: You must be a critical thinker who is comfortable working independently after training and possesses a high attention to detail for managing large genomic data sets.
Compensation, Benefits, and Logistics For This Research Job
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Status: Full-time, Regular, Exempt.
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Location: Ann Arbor, MI (School of Medicine Campus).
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Retirement: An industry-leading 2:1 match on retirement savings.
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Healthcare: Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage that becomes effective on your very first day.
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Work Mode: While largely on-site for laboratory activities, hybrid/remote modes are at the discretion of the department and reviewed annually.
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Application Deadline: The review process begins as early as April 3, 2026, with the posting officially ending on April 17, 2026.
In summary, this Research Job at the Prensner Lab is a premier opportunity for a specialist looking to master the mechanics of the “dark proteome.” By advancing your University of Michigan career, you gain access to a global network of collaborators and a benefit structure that prioritizes your long-term security. Because this Life Science Job involves high-level ribosome profiling and CRISPR applications, the expertise you develop here will position you at the absolute forefront of the next decade of cancer research.
