Research Technician I

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine • Kalamazoo, MI

308d

About The Position

The Department for Investigative Medicine at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine invites applications for a Research Lab Technician in the laboratory of Hiroyuki Hirakawa. Research Lab Technician work involves basic research in stem cell biology and immunology to address key questions relating to the bone marrow microenvironment. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to perform laboratory research using innovative techniques.

Requirements

• Working toward a B.S. or B.A. degree, preferably in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Desirable but not required skills include experience with any or all of sterile tissue culture, flow cytometric analysis, RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, and molecular cloning.

Nice To Haves

• High motivation to gain research experience to go to medical school or graduate school.
• Undergraduate students who are interested in being a technician after graduation.

Responsibilities

• Communicates problems or matters of a scientific, technical and/or administrative nature within the department and interdepartmentally utilizing computer technology.
• Conducts research and assists in the conduct of research.
• Analyzes data and interprets results to write reports and summaries of findings.
• Maintains accurate records of tests conducted, results, data and patients tested including calculation of results from supplied data, obtained data and statistics for quality assurance.
• Maintains equipment and inventory through making minor adjustments, performing scheduled maintenance, and troubleshooting major problems utilizing departmental resources and manufacturers telephone trouble lines.
• Organizes and prioritizes work to meet specific goals and accomplishments.
• Maintains clean and efficient work area and replenishes supplies as necessary.
• Helps manage the animal colony and is comfortable isolating samples from euthanized mice.
• Helps prep for experiments.
• Helps maintain the labs cleanliness and safety.
• Preparation of stock solutions and reagents.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• Various assays including one or more of the following: Staining and running samples for flow cytometry, RNA isolation/RT-PCR, Genotyping, Immunoflorescent staining.
• All other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree