Job Summary

Highly motivated individual sought for a research scientist position in a basic/translational research laboratory in the University of Michigan Department of Surgery. The candidate will work closely with the PI, a translational scientist in the Dept of Surgery, and with Senior Investigator Collaborators in Departments of Biomedical Engineering and Pediatrics, in an established multi-disciplinary collaboration. The candidate will act a research scientist to carry out in vitro and in vivo experiments. Our lab studies molecular and cellular mechanisms of adipose tissue biology and adipocyte-extracellular matrix interactions, and their role in regulating cellular and systemic metabolism, with the goal of developing novel therapy for metabolic disease including type 2 diabetes. We utilize sophisticated 2D and 3D human and murine in vitro cell culture models, advanced cell imaging and analysis, bulk and single cell RNA sequencing, and murine in vivo adipocyte/adipose tissue transplant/xenograft models. A focus of this position will be to study adipocyte-matrix interactions in artificial and tissue-derived 3D culture systems, with both in vitro and in vivo applications. We are a tight-knit, dedicated group with a track record of long-term employment, fostering academic careers, and campus-wide collaborations. Significant scientific independence and incentives possible based on experience and productivity.

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.

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

Responsibilities*

1. Perform basic and advanced molecular and cellular biology bench research applied to human and mouse tissue samples, including but not limited to 2D and 3D cell culture, QRTPCR, Western blotting, ELISA; advanced microscopy techniques, including confocal microscopy, static and live cell imaging, immunofluorescence microscopy; lipofectamine, lentivirus, CRISPR cell transduction; single cell/nuclear RNA sequencing, and animal (mouse) research, including murine in vivo metabolic testing, sacrifice, dissection, surgery.

2. The candidate will carry out individual bench research with a high degree of short-term and intermediate-term independence, including refining/adapting methodologies to specific experiment requirements based on results, developing new techniques based on independent literature search and analysis, and independently conducting analysis, interpretation, and presentation of data generated.  The candidate will work with PI to carry out intermediate and long-term research planning, assist in writing specific sections of manuscripts and grants as appropriate. The candidate will also be responsible for supervision and direction of technicians in lab as appropriate based on the candidate's experience and productivity.

3. Familiarity with basic logistic management of basic science laboratory functions required. The candidate will participate in management and maintenance of regulatory, financial, and logistic aspects of laboratory functioning, including but not limited to maintaining accurate data logs, supervising reagent ordering, lab maintenance, being responsible for overall smooth functioning of laboratory and regulatory compliance with OSEH, IACUC, IRB, Radiation Safety. Oversee all day-to-day operations of the laboratory. Train and supervise junior technicians, students, and support personnel.

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's Degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or closely related field 
• At least 4 years of lab research experience required.
• Ability to work independently, devise, adapt, and refine cell, molecular, and murine experimental protocols independently, devise and carry out short- and intermediate-term adjustments to experimental plans independently, and access scientific literature independently to accomplish short- and intermediate-term research goals.
• Experience with bench research, including cell culture, basic molecular and cellular biology assays (e.g. RNA isolation, gel electrophoresis, PCR/qrtPCR, ELISA, Western blotting, microscopy, and other basic bench molecular and cellular biology techniques) required.
• Experience with mouse handling/dissection required
• Familiarity with statistical analysis and data presentation required, including familiarity with Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Graphpad Prism, and other statistical software. 
• Applicant must be hard working, highly motivated, well organized, and once trained, able to work with minimal supervision, with strong quantitative skills, an ability to work efficiently, follow instructions, and maintain a reliable work schedule. Flexibility in work hours is required, including some early AM/late PM/evening/weekend work typical of any research position, but the candidate will work closely with the PI to accommodate individual needs.
• Applicant must have excellent oral and written English communication skills, effective judgment and problem-solving skills, an ability to work as a team member with a wide variety of co-workers, the ability to interact collegially and effectively with diverse collaborators and to supervise junior technicians and students, efficient multi-tasking skills, and meticulous attention to detail. 
• Familiarity with basic logistic management of basic science laboratory functions required. 

Desired Qualifications*

• Master's or PhD degree in Biology, Biochemistry, or closely related field preferred.  4-5 years of related experience preferred.
• Bioengineering experience, especially as it relates to with 3D cell culture systems, advanced cell microscopy techniques including confocal microscopy and digital analysis desirable.

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.

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/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.