Research Laboratory Specialist

To apply for this job, please upload (combined into ONE PDF):

• CV/resume
• Cover letter (address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience directly related to this role)
• Names and contact information for three professional references

The Exercise Oncology Lab , led by Dr. Erin Giles at the University of Michigan School of Kinesiology , is recruiting a full-time Research Laboratory Specialist to join our NIH/NCI-funded team. Our mission is to understand why obesity increases breast cancer risk and to develop innovative lifestyle and pharmacological interventions that ultimately improve patient outcomes. By joining us, you will play an essential role in experiments with both cell culture and animal models, including animal handling, rodent surgeries, and tissue collection, directly contributing to research that advances cancer prevention and care.

Success in this role means being comfortable overseeing animal studies, skilled in molecular biology and immunohistochemical techniques, and passionate about teamwork and scientific discovery. We champion a collaborative, interdisciplinary lab culture that values mentorship, scientific rigor, and professional growth for every team member.

You’ll benefit from access to leading-edge core facilities, collaboration with experts across cancer, metabolism, and nutrition, and many opportunities for skill development and career advancement. Ann Arbor offers an outstanding quality of life, vibrant cultural amenities, and a welcoming academic community.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Maternity and parental leave
• University commitment to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities

Essential Functions are noted with an "EF"

• Perform animal experiments (rodent handling, surgeries, monitoring, drug administration, tissue collection, blood draws, and additional procedures per established protocols) (EF)
• Conduct molecular biology experiments (immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence, RNA/DNA/protein analysis (western blotting, qPCR, etc) (EF)
• Carry out cell culture studies using aseptic technique (EF)
• Maintain accurate lab notebooks and participate in developing/optimizing experimental protocols (EF)
• Support general lab operations: equipment maintenance, supply ordering, recordkeeping (EF)
• Train new lab users, contribute to group meetings, and cultivate a collaborative, inclusive lab culture (EF)
• Contribute to data analysis, figure preparation, and presentation of results for grants, manuscripts, and lab meetings

• Master's degree is required, along with a Bachelor's degree in a recognized field of science or learning which is directly related to the duties of this position
• 4 to 5 years of relevant experience (see below)
• Bachelor's degree in a recognized field of science or learning which is directly related to the duties of this position
• 3 years of related experience (see below)

In addition to the degree and years of experience requirements:

• Hands‑on experience conducting rodent experiments (animal handling, surgeries, tissue collection)
• Demonstrated proficiency in cell and molecular biology techniques (western blotting, ELISA, colorimetric assays, qPCR, RNA/DNA/protein analysis, immunohistochemistry OR immunofluorescence)
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team setting
• Excellent organization, punctuality, and communication skills (written and oral)
• A verifiable ability to function effectively in a continually changing environment, and to troubleshoot problems and implement corrective actions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and basic scientific software
• Proven success with contributing…