Interested applicants should provide a cover letter detailing their specific interest in the position, CV, and contact information for three references.

A Senior Scientist Lab Manager position is available in the Maurer laboratory at the University of Michigan. The Maurer Lab combines super-resolution microscopy with genomic, biochemical, and proteomic approaches to understand the vector-host interactions driving successful rAAV gene therapies. Read more about our research here: www.maurerlab.org 

The Maurer lab is a new laboratory starting in January 2025 and part of the Department of Biophysics which has a long tradition of education and research in the field. The University of Michigan Department of Biophysics has pushed the boundaries of traditional work in fundamental chemical sciences into the interface with other disciplines. 

This position will not begin until January 13, 2025. 

50% Under general direction of the faculty member, develop, design and conduct research using microscopy, molecular biology, and biochemical techniques, both cultured cells and animal models. Produce recombinant AAV vector preparations at medium scales and clone & maintain all plasmid stocks required to do so. Document, analyze and evaluate results; identify new research methods / techniques; identify and solve research problems.

25% Training and assisting Research Fellows, graduate students and undergraduate students with preparations, research techniques, use of instruments, methods and procedures to help advance the research objectives of laboratory. Has oversight of day-to-day operations; collaborates, reviews, and critiques data collection of other researchers; oversees safety protocols for the laboratory.

10% Responsible for the administrative, personnel and planning aspects of multiple current and future projects in the laboratory; writes reports for funding agencies; collaborates on the preparation of research proposals and applications for grant funding. Co-author or assist the faculty with the preparation of papers for publication.

15% Responsible for ordering laboratory equipment and consumables, maintaining adequate stocks and documentation of supplies, preparing and aliquoting reagents, oversee hazardous and nonhazardous waste disposal/removal, and ensure the lab is using environmentally responsible practices (i.e. minimizing plastic waste in landfills).

Master's Degree or Ph.D. in Biochemistry or closely related field, successful completion of a minimum of five (5) years of research in a high-production laboratory; demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications; demonstrated expertise with reconstituted translations systems. Demonstrated experience in training and management in the areas of research project design, experimental design, and scientific writing. Demonstrated experience in staff / research management.

• Advanced mol/cell biology related degree (MS, PhD, MD) or BS with 5+ years experience in gene therapy, virology, or related research
• Expertise in producing recombinant AAV vectors at small- to medium-scales, including purification, titer assessment by qPCR and ddPCR, and quality control.
• Expertise designing and implementing rAAV capsid and vector genome variants
• Experience with inventory and ordering systems (candidate will be responsible for maintaining laboratory reagents and consumables stocks).

Experience in both bacterial and eukaryotic reconstituted translation systems; NGS data analysis, and theoretical familiarity with ribosome profiling methods.

• Preferred Experience administering rAAV vectors to mice and harvesting relevant tissues, but willingness to learn is sufficient.
• Preferred: Experience generating transgenic cell lines and maintaining stocks of cryopreserved lines

This is a full-time, 12-month term-limited position with a possibility of renewal based on the availability of funding, the availability of work, and overall successful performance.

As one of the world's great liberal arts colleges, LSA pushes the boundaries of what is understood about the human experience and the natural world, and we foster the next generation of rigorous and empathetic thinkers, creators, and contributors to the state of Michigan, the nation, and the world.

To learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in LSA, please visit lsa.umich.edu/lsa/dei .

To learn more about LSA's Mission, Vision and Values, please visit lsa.umich.edu/strategicvision .

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

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

About University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

A great university is made so by its faculty and staff, and Michigan is recognized as one of the best universities to work for in the country. The Michigan culture is known for engaging faculty and staff in all facets of the university to create a workplace that is vibrant and stimulating.For two consecutive years, the Chronicle of Higher Education has placed U-M in its "Great Colleges to Work For" survey. In particular, the university earns high marks for strong relations between faculty and administrators, a collaborative system of governance, strong pay and benefits, and a healthy work/life balance.

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