The Research Lab Technician will involve both basic and translational research in the stem cell biology and application in regenerative medicine. This role will be participating in Dr. Yong Li's lab. The daily work relates to cellular, pathological and biological functional studies by using small animal models. We will also conduct translational studies by using patient samples vs. blood or tissues. We require the candidate with minimal 2-year laboratory experience on the fields of cell biology, pathology or molecular biology. 

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 independently using one’s own discretion, knowledge, and judgment.
• Attends and contributes to meetings regarding matters of importance to the school of medicine. 
• 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. 
• Provides instruction in laboratory technique, instrumentation, and application of laboratory test procedures to new technologists or technicians and students.
• Organizes and prioritizes work to meet specific goals and accomplishments. 
• Manages and guides lab members with the development of technical procedures and protocols. 
• Manages lab technician’s lab activities and time management. 
• Provides feedback to lab members and department managers. 
• Maintains a clean and efficient work area and replenishes supplies as necessary. Responsible for inventory maintenance.  
• Isolates and cultures primary muscle or tendon or other tissue cells and stem cells. 
• Manages and performs various assays on purified populations including one or more of the following: 

              - Cellular proliferation and differentiation assess 

              - Immunofluorescent staining:  immunocytochemistry or immunohistochemistry 

              - ELISA 

              - RNA isolation/RT-PCR  

              - Expression cloning 

              - Protein extraction/Western blotting.

              - Small animal handling and surgical assistant 

• Prepares stock solutions and reagents. 
• Biopsy tissue section with histological analysis, such HE staining. 
• Availability to work 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 required, preferably in Biology, Chemistry, Cellular or Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field. 
• Work experience in a research lab is highly recommended.
• Experience managing daily activities in a lab required.
• Required skills include experience with one or more of the following: sterile tissue or cell culture, immunocyto- or histo-chemical staining, RNA and protein extraction and analysis, vertical and horizontal gel electrophoresis, protein immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or RT-PCR, and small animal handling. 

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow.
• Respond to the supervisor or lab manager in requesting project progress and perform. 
• Able to perform duties independently, with a minimal need for direct supervision. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while
  performing the essential functions of this job.
• The employee regularly works in a clean, well-lighted, temperature controlled, and smoke-free environment. The
  noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Minimal risk of exposure to noxious substances and infectious agents.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully
  perform the essential functions of this job.
• The employee must be able to perform a combination of sitting, standing and walking. Must have the ability to hear
  within normal range and possess the physical capability and hand dexterity to operate basic office equipment.
• Occasionally lifts average of 30 pounds.

INTERPERSONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Exhibits a commitment to the values expressed in the medical school mission, vision and values; Educational Pledge; Code of Professional Conduct; and building a supportive learning and working environment with a positive attitude at the workplace and toward their job.
  
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact in a positive and helpful manner with all constituents both internally and externally in a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
  
• Ability to work effectively on group projects with internal and external customers in a collaborative manner.
  
• Applies knowledge of principles and process for providing exemplary stakeholder service and support. This includes assessment of stakeholder needs, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of stakeholder satisfaction.
  
• Maintains the confidentiality of all patient, employee, physician, student, and institutional information.
  
• Support and assist enhancing the culture and sense of belonging of the medical school. 

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.