RESEARCH ASST I (TEMP)

University of Michigan

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Posted on Jun 27, 2025
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How to Apply

To be considered, please submit a 1-page cover letter concisely outlining your research interests and experience, in addition to your specific interest in this position. Your cover letter should be attached as the first page of your resume/CV.

Job Summary

The Michigan Medicine Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation provides outstanding, state-of-the-art, evidence-based care for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Our faculty, staff, and trainees conduct a diverse range of musculoskeletal research and scholarship. The department?s research program is integral to its mission and vision of leading advances in musculoskeletal health, through excellence and innovative care, scientific discovery, and dedicated teaching.

Research in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is conducted by a diverse group of faculty, staff and trainees with expertise in biology, bioinformatics, epidemiology, health outcomes and healthcare. The collaborative research programs are focused on improving treatment or preventing musculoskeletal disorders and disease. The research enterprise is funded by a variety of sources, including, but not limited to, the NIH, DoD, NSF, industry, and professional societies. Primary basic science research operations are located at North Campus Research Complex (NCRC), with additional clinical research sites. Currently there are extensive shared resources and a team of core research staff.

This position offers the opportunity to gain valuable laboratory experience working with multi-disciplinary scientists on urgent and pressing questions in the context of joint injury and osteoarthritis. There is a good deal of excitement and funding in this area, and we are making great strides in better understanding these common, debilitating musculoskeletal conditions. There is strong potential for development in technical expertise in addition to improvements in communication skills, work ethics, and conceptual knowledge.

We are looking for a diligent, talented, and self-motivated individual with an interest in experimentation, analytical workflows, and scientific teamwork. Gap-year students (prior to enrolling in a PhD/Medical/Dental/Veterinary program) wishing to gain/expand research experience and establish a scientific publishing record are encouraged to apply.

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*

  • Work closely with senior researchers on project-oriented objectives
  • Collect and transport tissue samples from operation rooms to laboratory
  • Develop proficiency in multiple molecular biology techniques and procedures
  • Develop a strong understanding of concepts, knowledge and approaches in musculoskeletal biology and related disciplines
  • Keep careful and detailed lab notebook records of experiments, data, and observations
  • Analyze data collected from experiments
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with our multi-disciplinary team of scientists, trainees, and clinicians
  • Attend weekly one-on-one meetings with direct supervisor and weekly laboratory meetings

Required Qualifications*

  • Bachelor's degree in biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field
  • Experience working in a laboratory in a relevant field (e.g. cell culture, molecular biology/biochemistry, or mouse studies)
  • Proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Word/Excel/PowerPoint, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides)
  • Willingness to learn new techniques, procedures, and concepts
  • Competent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail
  • Methodical, systematic work approach and diligent notetaking skills

Desired Qualifications*

  • Experience with molecular biology techniques including isolation of RNA, DNA, and protein; gene and protein expression analyses (PCR, western blotting, ELISA); and mammalian cell culture; tissue harvests and dissections; mouse handling
  • Experience with analyzing, collating, and presenting data from experiments
  • Experience working closely with senior researchers on projects
  • Experience with animal dissections and tissue harvests

Work Locations

North Campus Research Complex, Ann Arbor, MI

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 Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.