Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is recruiting for a Research Laboratory Technician. The Research Laboratory Technician will be involved in both basic and translational research in the stem cell biology and application in regenerative medicine. The daily work relates to cellular, pathological and biological functional studies by using small animal models. We will also conduct translational studies by using patient samples vs. blood or tissues. We require the candidate with minimal 2-year laboratory experience on the fields of cell biology, pathology or molecular biology.

• Communicates problems or matters of a scientific, technical and/or administrative nature within the department and interdepartmentally utilizing computer technology.
• Conducts research independently using one’s own discretion, knowledge, and judgment.
• Analyzes data and interprets results to write reports and summaries of findings.
• Attends and contributes to meetings regarding matters of importance to the school of medicine.
• 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.
• Provides instruction in laboratory technique, instrumentation, and application of laboratory test procedures to new technologists or technicians and students.
• Organizes and prioritizes work to meet specific goals and accomplishments.
• Manages and guides lab members with the development of technical procedures and protocols.
• Manages lab technician’s lab activities and time management.
• Provides feedback to lab members and department managers.
• Maintains a clean and efficient work area and replenishes supplies as necessary. Responsible for inventory maintenance.
• Isolates and cultures primary muscle or tendon or other tissue cells and stem cells.
• Manages and performs various assays on purified populations including one or more of the following:
  • Cellular proliferation and differentiation assess.
  • Immunofluorescent staining: immunocytochemistry or immunohistochemistry.
  • ELISA.
  • RNA isolation/RT-PCR.
  • Expression cloning.
  • Protein extraction/Western blotting.
  • Small animal handling and surgical assistant.
• Prepares stock solutions and reagents.
• Biopsy tissue section with histological analysis, such HE staining.
• Availability to work on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• B.S. or B.A. degree required, preferably in Biology, Chemistry, Cellular or Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.
• Minimum of two years’ experience in a research lab. Experience managing daily activities in a lab required.
• Required skills include experience with one or more of the following: sterile tissue or cell culture, immunocyto- or histochemical staining, RNA and protein extraction and analysis, vertical and horizontal gel electrophoresis, protein immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or RT-PCR, and small animal handling.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
• Respond to the supervisor or lab manager in requesting project progress and perform.
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision.

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine (WMed) is an exciting environment to pursue and academic career. The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo’s two teaching health systems, Ascension Borgess and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. Building upon the $100 million foundational gift in 2011, WMed received a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school in June 2021. WMed contributed to the creation of 1,600 new jobs and an economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties in 2020.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. WMed offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program and two Master of Science degree programs in Biomedical Sciences and Medical Engineering. There are more than 200 residents and fellows in 10 residencies and five fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support its mission to educate and inspire lifelong learners, WMed has Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education.

WMed Health is the clinical practice of the medical school with more than 300 providers offering comprehensive primary care and specialty services in several locations throughout Kalamazoo, Portage, and Battle Creek. The Department of Pathology faculty serve as the Office of the Medical Examiner for counties throughout Michigan and northern Indiana.

The W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo serves as the primary educational facility with faculty and administrative offices, student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, a state-of-the-art Simulation Center accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, basic science research labs, as well as toxicology and forensic pathology labs.

WMed is building upon Kalamazoo’s century-long foundation of drug discovery and medical device development with a strategic investment in clinical, laboratory, community, and educational research. The Center for Immunobiology, Center for Clinical Research, WMed ForenTox, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, and Human Research Protection Program contribute to the medical school’s advancement of knowledge through innovation and discovery.

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans, and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. We provide a drug- and tobacco-free workplace.

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Protected Veterans.