Research Job at Michigan Medicine, USA | Biology | Apply Now
If you are looking to advance your scientific skills at the intersection of translational oncology and cutting-edge cellular models, this Research Job at the University of Michigan is an incredible entry point. Based on the Ann Arbor campus, this position offers direct exposure to high-impact clinical pipelines, serving as a stellar launchpad for those exploring Michigan Medicine careers. For early-career scientists or recent graduates hunting for a meaningful Biology Job, this role provides hands-on training in advanced tissue culture models to combat pancreatic cancer. Here is a comprehensive, scannable breakdown of this fully on-site position.
- Job Position: Research Laboratory Tech Assoc
- Location: Ann Arbor Campus, MI (Fully Onsite / Nonexempt status).
About The Organization
Michigan Medicine is the heart of the university’s mission to advance health through a “best-in-class” research enterprise. Since the founding of the medical school in 1850, it has been a site of groundbreaking medical firsts, and today, it remains a destination for top-tier scientists and clinicians. The university serves diverse populations and leads the nation in evidence-based education, ensuring that your University of Michigan career contributes to both local wellness and global scientific breakthroughs.
About the Lab
This position is embedded within the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, under the leadership of Principal Investigator Dr. Eileen Carpenter. The lab focuses on evaluating the immune and stromal microenvironment to decode tumor initiation, progression, and chemoresistance mechanisms in pancreatic cancer. By joining this team, your work directly supports an all-human preclinical pipeline, transforming raw patient biospecimens into active tools for diagnostic and therapeutic discoveries.
Key Responsibilities
As a Research Laboratory Tech Assoc, you will be the operational backbone of the lab’s biospecimen workflows, transitioning between tissue engineering, cell monitoring, and advanced molecular processing.
Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Organoid Line Management: Take charge of establishing, characterizing, and long-term culturing of human pancreatic cancer patient-derived organoid lines.
- Complex Co-Cultures: Set up and maintain organoid/immune cell/fibroblast co-culture systems to accurately model the human pancreatic tumor microenvironment.
- Cytotoxic Screening: Perform functional validation and cytotoxic assays using chemotherapeutic drugs to identify mechanisms of chemoresistance.
- Advanced Flow Cytometry: Execute multiplex flow cytometric and mass cytometric analysis to track immune cells and cellular biomarkers.
- Biorepository Control: Manage the internal biobank, organizing, logging, and storing precious clinical human pancreatic cancer biospecimens.
- Single-Cell Processing: Support the preparation and introductory analysis workflows for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).
Qualifications & Commitment Required For Research Job
While prior industry experience is an advantage, the lab places a heavy emphasis on a strong foundational background and a genuine commitment to continuous technical growth.
- Minimum Education & Experience: A high school diploma or associate’s degree paired with 1 year of relevant laboratory experience (or an equivalent combination of education and training).
- Preferred Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in biology, engineering, or biochemical sciences is highly desired for this Biology Job.
- Preferred Background: Prior exposure to sterile technique, tissue handling, or laboratory data processing is a plus, though comprehensive internal training on biorepository rules and sterile culture will be fully provided.
- Lab Commitment: A 2-year timeline commitment is highly preferred to ensure project continuity and deep competency with the lab’s specialized experimental platforms.
- Core Trait Checklist: Highly organized, meticulous record-keeping abilities, strong attention to detail, and a collaborative team-player mindset.
Why Join Michigan Medicine? Benefits Spotlight
Michigan Medicine is one of the world’s largest academic medical centers. It offers an incredible total rewards framework that prioritizes long-term financial stability and immediate personal well-being:
- Instant Coverage: Top-tier medical, dental, and vision health coverage options effective starting on your very first day of employment.
- Retirement Match: An outstanding 2:1 employer match on your retirement savings contributions.
- Professional Growth: Direct exposure to groundbreaking technological advancements and robust career advancement paths across all Michigan Medicine careers.
Critical Application Guidelines For This Research Job: The Cover Letter
Important Instruction: A formal cover letter is strictly required for consideration. It must be attached as the first page of your resume file. Your letter should explicitly address your specific interest in pancreatic cancer research and clearly outline how your academic or past laboratory skills directly align with the requirements of this role.
In summary, this Research Laboratory Tech Assoc position is a definitive Research Job for any aspiring cellular biologist or medical track graduate. By mastering complex co-culture systems and high-dimensional flow cytometry, you position your scientific profile at the cutting edge of modern translation oncology. If you are ready to make a tangible contribution to pancreatic cancer therapeutics, submit your application before the May 28, 2026 deadline to secure this standout Biology Job.
