Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.
Unit Position Summary
The Advanced Laboratory Manager serves as a temporary, on-call technical specialist supporting laboratory research activities focused on advanced in vitro cell culture systems, toxicological testing, and high-content imaging in the Johnson Lab. This position is responsible for independently conducting laboratory studies involving the preparation and dosing of pharmaceuticals, environmental chemicals, and other toxicants; developing and validating high-throughput screening assays; and implementing quantitative imaging workflows for the analysis of fluorescently labeled 3D cell culture models. The individual works closely with faculty, research staff, and trainees to ensure rigorous experimental design, data quality, and compliance with institutional safety and laboratory procedures.
Primary Responsibilities
The successful applicant will be expected to:
Establish, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced cell culture models, including 3D spheroids, organoids, co-cultures, and microphysiological systems.
Design and perform chemical and pharmaceutical dosing studies using potentially hazardous compounds in accordance with laboratory safety protocols.
Develop, optimize, and validate high-throughput and high-content screening assays for toxicological, pharmacological, and mechanistic research applications.
Perform fluorescence-based imaging experiments using confocal and automated high-content imaging systems.
Develop image acquisition, processing, and analysis pipelines to quantify cellular morphology, viability, biomarker expression, and other endpoints within 3D cell culture models.
Analyze and interpret experimental data using image analysis and statistical software platforms.
Maintain laboratory equipment and coordinate routine instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and user training.
Assist with study planning, protocol development, data documentation, and preparation of technical reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
Train and mentor students, laboratory staff, and research personnel in advanced cell culture, imaging, and assay methodologies.
Ensure compliance with institutional, environmental health and safety, and chemical hygiene requirements.
Desired Qualifications
Master's degree or higher in a relevant scientific discipline. Extensive experience with advanced 3D cell culture systems, organ-on-chip technologies, or microphysiological systems. Experience developing high-throughput screening assays and automated laboratory workflows. Proficiency with image analysis platforms such as CellProfiler, ImageJ/Fiji, Imaris, Harmony, Columbus, or equivalent software. Experience analyzing large imaging datasets and developing reproducible data analysis workflows. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and effectively support multiple concurrent research projects.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Application Materials
Updated CV
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Website
https://iq.msu.edu/brian-johnson/
Summary of Health Risks
["Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue, and other body fluids; and material covered under Universal Precautions.","Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue","Risk that have been identified by Environmental Health and Safety, such as exposure to lead, chemotherapy, formaldehyde, asbestos, etc."]
