Research Lab Technician work involves basic research in immunology and virology to address key questions relating to control and regulation of oncogenic virus infection. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to perform laboratory research using innovative techniques.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communicates problems or matters of a scientific, technical and/or administrative nature within the department and interdepartmentally utilizing computer technology 
• Conducts research and assists in the conduct of research 
• Analyzes data and interprets results to write reports and summaries of findings 
• 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 
• Organizes and prioritizes work to meet specific goals and accomplishments 
• Maintains clean and efficient work area and replenishes supplies as necessary  
• Helps manage the animal colony and is comfortable isolating samples from euthanized mice 
• Helps prep for experiments 
• Helps maintain cell cultures 
• Helps maintain the labs cleanliness and safety 
• Various assays including one or more of the following: 
  • Immunoflorescent staining 
  • Staining and running samples for flow cytometry 
  • ELISPOT 
  • ELISA 
  • RNA isolation/RT-PCR  
  • Protein extraction/Western blotting 
  • Genotyping 
  • Sensitive Viral Assays 

• Preparation of stock solutions and reagents 
• Testing of serum and complement 
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment 
• Inventory 
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive projects 
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions 
• All other duties as assigned 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:   

• B.S. or B.A. degree, preferably in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• One or more years’ experience in a research lab preferred.
• Desirable but not required skills include experience with any or all of: sterile tissue culture, flow cytometric analysis, RNA and protein extraction, vertical and horizontal gel electrophoresis, protein immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction, ELISAs, molecular cloning, mouse handling, mouse genotyping and work with infectious agents. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:   

• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.  
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision. 

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

We are committed to excellence and health equity through transformative medical education, high-quality, patient- and family-entered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a just culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our vision is health equity for all in Southwest Michigan through innovation in the practice and study of medicine.

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 nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. WMed is the recipient of a $100 million foundational gift and the Empowering Futures Gift, a philanthropic commitment of $300 million to support the mission of the medical school. WMed contributes to the economic vitality of Southwest Michigan through the services we provide as well as the creation of 1,600 new jobs and an annual estimated economic impact of $353 million in Kalamazoo and Calhoun counties.

WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and the Higher Learning Commission. The medical school offers a comprehensive, innovative four-year Doctor of Medicine degree program and a Master of Science degree program in Biomedical Sciences. We train physicians in 10 residencies and five fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. To support our educational mission, we have 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 the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek areas. Faculty in the Department of Pathology 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 student study and social spaces, team-based learning halls, faculty and administrative offices, 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 builds 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, Research Histology Lab, Innovation Center, 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.