The Department for Investigative Medicine at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of
Medicine invites applications for a Research Lab Technician in the laboratory of Hiroyuki
Hirakawa. Research Lab Technician work involves basic research in stem cell biology and immunology to
address key questions relating to the bone marrow microenvironment. 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 the labs cleanliness and safety.
• Preparation of stock solutions and reagents.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends or evenings to complete time sensitive
  projects.
• Acquires knowledge for new technology and policy/procedure revisions.
• Various assays including one or more of the following:
  - Staining and running samples for flow cytometry
  - RNA isolation/RT-PCR
  - Genotyping
  - Immunoflorescent staining
• All other duties as assigned.

Preference will be given to applicants with a high motivation to gain research experience to go to medical
school or graduate school. Undergraduate students who are interested in being a technician after
graduation are welcome to apply.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Working toward a B.S. or B.A. degree, preferably in Biology, Chemistry, Molecular Biology, or a related
  field.
• Desirable but not required skills include experience with any or all of sterile tissue culture, flow
  cytometric analysis, RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, and molecular
  cloning.

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.