Research Lab Specialist Senior-Intermediate-Associate

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Job Summary

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes a lethal syndrome (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) characterized by CD4 T cell depletion and resultant immunodeficiency. HIV has caused a worldwide epidemic that has killed millions of people and continues to infect about 40,000 people each year in this country. The long-term goal of our research program is to provide improved treatments for people with HIV/AIDS. Existing therapies are highly effective at rendering viral particles non-infectious and thus reducing viral loads. However, none of the current drugs are capable of destroying infected cells. Many infected cells have short half-lives and die within days or months. Others, however, remain in a state that is resistant to the immune system and can persist for years. To provide better therapies, our focus has been on understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral persistence within cellular reservoirs. The development of drugs that will inhibit these pathways will bring us closer to a cure.

More information on Dr. Collins lab can be found here: Collins Lab

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.

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 savings

Responsibilities*

• Perform research either independently or with minimal supervision, providing data for manuscripts and grants
• Analyze complex data using statistical approaches to identify significant differences
• Analyze and present journal articles at lab meeting
• Edit, write and/or review manuscripts, grants, and budgets
• Depending on stage and productivity there will be opportunities to participate in assembling manuscripts and attending national meetings
• Assist graduate students and postdoctoral fellows with specialized lab procedures such as cloning, cell purification and flow cytometry
• Purchase lab supplies/stocking and organizing lab
• Negotiate discounts with vendors
• Maintain lab equipment
• Assist with regulatory and safety compliance

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree in science required, advanced degree beneficial.
• Senior Level: 5-6 years of experience required, 2-5 years experience with cell culture is needed.
• Intermediate Level: 4-5 years of experience required, 2-5 years experience with cell culture is needed.
• Associate Level: Bachelor's degree in science (microbiology or related field preferred) and 1-3 years experience required.
• Strong fundamental understanding of biology and chemistry required.
• Working knowledge of laboratory best practices is essential.
• Experience with viral vectors including retroviral vectors, nucleic acid extraction and PCR is beneficial.
• A strong interest in and commitment to advancing our understanding of viral disease pathogenesis is essential.
• Experience with expressing HIV proteins in lentiviral and defective HIV based vectors, purifying primary T cells from human peripheral blood, and with confocal microscopy, western blotting and cloning.
• A strong interest in and commitment to advancing our understanding of viral disease pathogenesis is essential.

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.

Underfill Statement

This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.

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.

273473

Research Lab Specialist Senior-Intermediate-Associate

Research Lab Specialist Senior

Ann Arbor Campus

Onsite

Full-Time

Regular

Exempt

Medical School

MM Int Med-Infectious Diseases

1/29/2026 - 4/29/2026

Research