Specialist - Research-Fixed Term
About The Position
The Shames Laboratory at Michigan State University is seeking an experienced and motivated Academic Research Specialist to support a NIH-funded research program investigating innate immune mechanisms of macrophage defense against intracellular bacterial pathogens. The successful candidate will lead in vivo experimental efforts within the framework of the laboratory's funded aims, with a primary focus on murine models of bacterial infection, bone marrow chimera experiments, and myeloid-specific conditional knockout studies. In addition to driving an independent research project, the Research Specialist will contribute to day-to-day laboratory operations and play an active role in the mentorship and training of junior laboratory personnel, including graduate and undergraduate students. This position requires work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment. The candidate must be willing to complete all required institutional biosafety and animal handling training. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position with reappointment contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding.
Requirements
- Ph.D. in microbiology, immunology, cell biology, or a closely related field.
- Extensive hands-on experience with in vivo murine models of infection or disease, including bone marrow transplantation, intranasal infection, and tissue harvest and processing.
- Demonstrated proficiency in flow cytometry, including multiparameter immune cell phenotyping from lung and other tissues.
- Experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and standard molecular biology techniques.
- Familiarity with IACUC protocols and regulatory compliance in an animal research setting.
- Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping practices.
- Ability to work with a high degree of independence and to mentor junior personnel.
- Ph.D., D.V.M., or M.D., or equivalent advanced degree(s) and at least 5 years of postdoctoral research experience.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with laboratory bacterial infection models.
- Experience with high-content imaging.
- Experience with bioinformatic analysis.
- Demonstrated expertise in mechanistic cell biology.
- Demonstrated expertise in in vivo mouse models.
- Demonstrated expertise in flow cytometry.
Responsibilities
- Lead in vivo experimental efforts within the framework of the laboratory's funded aims, with a primary focus on murine models of bacterial infection, bone marrow chimera experiments, and myeloid-specific conditional knockout studies.
- Drive an independent research project.
- Contribute to day-to-day laboratory operations.
- Play an active role in the mentorship and training of junior laboratory personnel, including graduate and undergraduate students.
- Complete all required institutional biosafety and animal handling training.
Benefits
- Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
