Research Technician I

Overview

The Department for Investigative Medicine at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School ofMedicine invites applications for a Research Lab Technician in the laboratory of HiroyukiHirakawa. Research Lab Technician work involves basic research in stem cell biology and immunology toaddress key questions relating to the bone marrow microenvironment. The successful applicant will havethe opportunity to perform laboratory research using innovative techniques.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Communicates problems or matters of a scientific, technical and/or administrative nature withinthe 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 includingcalculation of results from supplied data, obtained data and statistics for quality assurance.
• Maintains equipment and inventory through making minor adjustments, performing scheduledmaintenance, and troubleshooting major problems utilizing departmental resources andmanufacturers 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 sensitiveprojects.
• 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.

Qualifications

Preference will be given to applicants with a high motivation to gain research experience to go to medicalschool or graduate school. Undergraduate students who are interested in being a technician aftergraduation 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 relatedfield.
• Desirable but not required skills include experience with any or all of sterile tissue culture, flowcytometric analysis, RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction, and molecularcloning.

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-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, 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, 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 clinica