Job Summary

A Research Laboratory Specialist is sought in the Department of Neurology to assist the research group of Dr. Brett McCray. This laboratory studies the pathogenesis of a subtype of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), which comprises group of inherited forms of peripheral neuropathy that together constitutes the most common inherited neurologic disorder worldwide. The laboratory focuses on CMT type 2C, which is caused by dominant mutations in the calcium-permeable ion channel TRPV4 and leads to weakness of the arms and legs, sensory loss, and respiratory difficulties. The laboratory studies fundamental functions of TRPV4, particularly relating to ion channel activity, how mutations disrupt these functions, and potential therapeutic implications for TRPV4-targeted drugs. The ultimate goal of these pursuits is to use cell culture and animal models for development of therapeutic strategies for CMT and other neurological conditions in which TRPV4 is a contributor. The responsibilities of the individual in this position will be to assist in ongoing pursuits directed by the principal investigator and to independently pursue new projects related to the pathogenesis of TRPV4. Specific duties will include assistance with generating and testing a library of vectors to express different TRPV4 genetic variants, maintenance and transfection/transduction of cultured cells, and cellular and molecular biology experiments to assess TRPV4 functional properties, especially approaches to interrogate TRPV4-dependent calcium influx. Additional duties may include assistance with management of transgenic mouse colonies, animal drug treatments, animal behavioral testing, animal surgical procedures, and animal tissue processing and histology.

Responsibilities*

Working under the supervision of Dr. McCray, the individual will assist and conduct experiments using a variety of techniques. These will primarily include plasmid mutagenesis, plasmid preparation, mammalian cell culture, transient transfection/transduction, widefield and confocal microscopy, calcium imaging, flow cytometry, Western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry. Additional techniques may include animal husbandry and genotyping, behavioral assays, perfusion, animal tissue harvest, and cryosectioning/immunostaining.

Required Qualifications*

• PhD in biology, neuroscience, or a related field
• Minimum 5 years experience
• Proficiency with basic laboratory skills and methods (pipetting, buffer preparation, and aseptic cell culture).
• The ideal candidate will be highly motivated with exceptional personal initiative and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications*

Prior experience with mammalian cell culture and some of the molecular and cellular biology techniques described above is desired. 

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

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.

Application Deadline

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.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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