Animal Technician jobs in Michigan

How to Apply

Both a resume/CV and cover letter including the candidates background and goals in taking this position is encouraged with the application.

Summary

Work under the direction of an investigator in cardiovascular research to achieve the goals of a sponsored project in a laboratory setting. The overall goal of the project is to develop new treatments for patients with heart muscle disorders (primarily hypertrophic, arrhythmogenic, and other types of inherited cardiomyopathy). These disorders are a cause of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden death in both children and adults. The lab uses a range of model systems to better understand these conditions and develop treatments. This position will be largely responsible for managing a mouse colony consisting of various experimental models of inherited cardiomyopathy and performing experiments and related biochemical assays using these genetic models.

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*

• Manage a mouse colony consisting of multiple genetic models of cardiomyopathy (there are currently 10 strains with approximately 20 different crosses and breeding schemes). Set up breeding cages to maintain mice and generate experimental mice. Monitor and ensure colony health working closely with ULAM. Euthanize mice as needed to maintain colony size and for terminal experiments. Maintain database for mouse colony management in Excel.
• Perform genotyping of mice, including genomic DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis. Perform laboratory molecular and cellular biology work including molecular biological and biochemical techniques, recombinant DNA cloning, PCR and rtPCR.
• Administer medications to mice (including by food, water, gastric lavage) for experimental interventions. Track responses of medications across experimental groups. Coordinate procedures on experimental groups, such as echocardiograms, with core phenotyping services.
• Dissect post-mortem mice to obtain heart and other tissues for biochemical analyses.
• Routine laboratory maintenance including ordering and restocking, biohazard waste autoclaving and disposal, and dishwashing.
• Regularly communicate and coordinate with other team members to perform experiments in mouse models. Participate in weekly lab meetings.

Required Qualifications*

• B.S. degree in a biological or related field.
• 1 year of prior laboratory experience is required.
• Prior experience with mouse colony management is required.
• Other requirements include excellent organizational skills, perseverance, the ability to keep detailed notes, meticulous attention to details, excellent verbal and written English language skills, and an eagerness to work as an integrated team player which may include teaching rotating students and fellows.
• Proficiency in Excel for the purpose of mouse colony management is required.
• Demonstrate strong motivation and work ethic to master new skills.
• A minimum 2-year commitment is also requested.

Desired Qualifications*

• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques, including PCR and genotyping techniques, is also preferred.

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.