The position is supported by an external grant from the NIDDK/NIH. The individual filling this position is responsible for planning and conducting molecular and cellular experiments to support the aims of the grant. The funded project is limited to 1 year with opportunity for extension upon satisfactory performance. Goals of the research are to create cellular tools for studying genetic instability of the human PKD1 gene, which is inactivated in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

• Design and perform daily experiments to accomplish research aims.
• Interpret results, plan next step experiments.
• Assist with supervision and organization of student projects.
• Attend and present at laboratory meetings.
• Standard laboratory maintenance, as needed.
• Ordering lab supplies and refilling stock solutions, as needed.
• Prompt reporting and recording of results.
• Regular consultation with the PI on research progress and laboratory status.
• Positive contributions to research momentum.
• Work with other research toward common goals.
• Develop new protocols, as appropriate, to accomplish research aims.
• Availability to work occasional overtime on weekends and 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 duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• BS degree in any life sciences field or biochemistry is required, recent graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Prior research experience in and enthusiasm for molecular cellular biology or biochemistry is required.
• Specific experience in cell culture, PCR, microscopy, and molecular biology is highly desired.
• Must have the capacity to use a variety of instruments and to learn new techniques and protocols.
• Standard lab techniques include, but are not limited to, human and mouse cell culture, qPCR, chromatin immunoprecipitations, molecular cloning, DNA purification, and DNA sequence analysis.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Able to design, conduct, and interpret molecular/cellular experiments.
• Able to manage daily laboratory activities, lab maintenance, order supplies, organize experimental plans, and accurately record and report data.
• Excellent communication and record keeping skills are required.
• Ability to accept and apply feedback.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
• 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-centered care, innovative research, and community partnerships within a welcoming, supportive, and engaging culture. 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, Beacon 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, with an estimated annual 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 as well as a Master of Science degree program in Biomedical Sciences. We train physicians in 10 residencies and four 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. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with applicable State and Federal law.