Proteomics and Biospecimen Research Specialist

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Job Summary

The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Michigan is expanding a nationally and internationally funded research program at the cutting edge of cardiovascular medicine. Led by Drs. Venkatesh Murthy and Sascha Goonewardena (whose work has appeared in leading journals including NEJM AI, JAMA, and Circulation) the program fuses artificial intelligence, advanced cardiac imaging, multiomics (proteomics, metabolomics, and genomics), and cardiometabolic disease biology to develop precision diagnostics and identify novel therapeutic approaches, with a particular focus on coronary microvascular disease and other cardiovascular conditions that disproportionately affect women and remain poorly served by existing diagnostic tools. This is a rare opportunity to join a high-impact, well-funded program doing science that matters.

This position serves as the proteomics and biospecimen technical lead for the program's cardiovascular biorepository and multi-omic assay operations. The incumbent will take senior technical ownership of the full biospecimen pipeline (from sample collection and biobanking through high-throughput proteomic assay coordination, quality control, and vendor management) and will develop and maintain the standard operating procedures that underpin all proteomic analyses. Close coordination with the clinical research coordinators and collaborating sites is central to the role.
 

Responsibilities*

• Lead biospecimen operations: receive, process, aliquot, and biobank plasma and other biospecimens collected during cardiac imaging visits; maintain cold chain and organized biorepository storage
• Coordinate, manage quality control for, and liaise with vendors for high-throughput proteomic assay operations, including manifest preparation, shipment logistics, and data receipt
• Develop, validate, and document standard operating procedures and quality-control criteria for biospecimen handling, assay preparation, and sample-to-data traceability
• Maintain accurate biospecimen inventory, sample tracking, and chain-of-custody records; keep electronic records synchronized and audit-ready
• Support proteomic data assembly and quality control in support of biomarker and signature analyses
• Coordinate closely with the Senior and Intermediate Clinical Research Coordinators and collaborating sites to ensure continuity and integrity of the proteomic workflow
• Support study operations under Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and IRB compliance requirements
• Maintain laboratory supplies, place orders, and operate and maintain equipment
• Contribute to manuscripts and reports under the direction of the Principal Investigator
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelors degree in a biological or health science discipline
• Minimum 3 years of hands-on research experience in biospecimen processing, molecular biology, proteomics, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience with biospecimen processing and biobanking (plasma and serum) and preparation of samples for proteomic assays
• Demonstrated ability to develop, validate, and document standard operating procedures and to perform repeated procedures with precision and consistency
• Experience maintaining accurate records, sample tracking, and data quality control across multiple concurrent studies
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent workflows on schedule
• Ability to prepare and present clear written reports of work progress, assay results, and quality metrics
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to coordinate with clinical research coordinators and multi-site collaborators
• Understands and demonstrates the core concepts of Patient and Family Centered Care, including Respect and Dignity, Information Sharing, Participation, and Team Collaboration

Desired Qualifications*

• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a biological or health science discipline
• Experience with high-throughput proteomic platforms (Olink or SomaScan)
• Experience with LIMS systems, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and IRB requirements for biospecimen-based research
• Familiarity with cardiac imaging research workflows or cardiovascular biorepository operations
• Background in cardiovascular biology, vascular biology, immunology, or cardiometabolic disease
• Experience with vendor coordination for outsourced assay services
• Record of contribution to peer-reviewed publications
• Experience coordinating with clinical research staff across multi-site programs

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world's most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Work Schedule

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, standard business hours. This is an onsite position.

Additional Information

We, the staff and faculty of the U-M Cardiovascular Center (CVC) team, are committed to advancing medicine and serving humanity through living and teaching our core values of Respect and Compassion; Collaboration; Innovation; and Commitment to Excellence. Each CVC employee is expected to understand and demonstrate that in every interaction we represent our entire organization in the care we provide and in the courtesies we extend to patients, families, and each respective team member. The CVC is dedicated to partnering with patients and families to deliver the safest and highest quality of health care.

The Division of Cardiovascular Medicine is firmly committed to advancing inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and belonging, which are core to the culture and values of the Medical School Office of Research. Our community supports recruiting and cultivating a diverse workforce as a reflection of our commitment to serve the diverse people of Michigan and the world. We strive to create a work culture where each team member feels respected, valued, and safe.

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.