Job Description

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 Department of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a staff scientist to perform and/or assist investigators in SARS-CoV-2 experiments in cell culture and mouse models as well as help with daily maintenance of the ABSL3 and BSL3 facilities.

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 SARS-CoV-2 experiments in cell culture and mouse models according to scientific protocols developed in collaboration with investigators.

Assist investigators to design SARS-CoV-2 experiments.

Assist with managing the day-to-day operations of the ABSL3/BSL-3 facilities.

Work as a “buddy” to other facility users conducting SARS-CoV-2 experiments.

Provide practical training for new facility users.

Work closely with Biosafety Officers to ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, as well as University policy and effectively, communicate these policies to facility users for continued compliance and safety.

Maintain documentation and records as needed (autoclave logs, material removal from facility, etc.).

Participate in regular meetings with ABSL3/BSL3 users, Environmental Health & Safety, and other institutional entities to discuss issues, evaluate and, as needed, recommend modifications to current and proposed facility procedures, equipment, and physical areas to optimize personnel safety, facility security, and the conduct of research.

Track facility use and bill PI.

Monitor experimental equipment and, if necessary, coordinate equipment maintenance or repair.

Autoclave biohazardous materials on an as-needed basis.

Work with other facility users to maintain inventory and restock supplies as needed.

Required Qualifications*

Senior-level:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science with 6+ years experience working with pathogens in a laboratory at BSL2 or higher, and a willingness to train for and work at ABSL3/BSL3.
• Supervisory and financial management experience required.

Intermediate-level:

• Bachelor’s degree in Science with a minimum of five years’ experience working with pathogens in a laboratory at BSL2 or higher, and a willingness to train for and work at ABSL3/BSL3.
• Practical experience working with mouse models of disease.
• Practical experience in performing cell culture, microbiological techniques, and basic molecular biology methodologies.
• Be able to use reference sources/materials to ensure the accuracy of experiments.
• Good time management abilities, communication skills, use good judgment to recognize problems as they occur, and through the application of appropriate policy/procedure, determine and/or recommend the appropriate action.
• Willingness to respond outside of business hours to unplanned emergencies.

Desired Qualifications*

Master’s or Ph.D. degree in microbiology, virology or immunology of infectious diseases, or related field.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to work independently and ability to interact productively with leadership, faculty and staff to identify and resolve problems.

Underfill Statement

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

Salary is commensurate with the level of experience and degree.

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine. This includes those working remotely. More information on this new policy is available on the Campus Blueprint website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.