RESEARCH FELLOW
University of Michigan
Job Summary
The Departments of Dermatology and Rheumatology are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to conduct innovative research investigating multi-omics approaches to understanding skin and rheumatic diseases. Our laboratories have a specific focus on investigating the effects of age, genetics, biological sex and ancestry on the immune system and on treatment responses in patients with autoimmune disease. This research involves novel bioinformatics approaches to study disease processes in the skin and to establish the determinants of inter-individual heterogeneity, including cross-species analytics, analyses of lncRNA expression in skin, and identification of systemic sclerosis-specific RNA species and use of cytokine and cell-specific expression signatures. This research uniquely involves both wet lab and dry lab applications with the aim of improving the understanding of and care for, people living with these diseases.
The successful candidate will work as part of a dynamic, productive team involved in analyzing -omic data from our ongoing clinical trial studies and larger datasets from systemic sclerosis and other fibrotic diseases. Complementing the analytical work by wet lab experiments to validate findings from the omic studies. The desired skill set is split between dry lab (bioinformatics) and wet lab (basic science/animal models).
Additionally, the individual will be required to design and perform experiments, data analysis and interpretation, statistical calculations, prepare PowerPoint presentations, perform literature research on specified topics, and draft research manuscripts for publication and other research documents. He/she will be required to conduct in vivo and in vitro experiments, collect and process human and mouse samples, and assist in developing new and/or specialized research methodologies, as part of several NIH-funded projects.
Mission Statement
The University of Michigan Health System 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.
Responsibilities*
- Performing bioinformatics analyses on RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), spatial transcriptomics datasets, etc.
- Applying advanced expertise in mouse models of inflammatory skin diseases, including the collection and processing of murine skin and other immune tissues.
- Conducting experimental analyses of skin samples using a variety of techniques such as immunohistochemistry, real-time RT-PCR, bright-field and fluorescence microscopy, and quantitative image analysis.
- Carrying out primary cell culture and ex vivo tissue experiments.
- Collaborating closely with external departments and University of Michigan core facilities to support interdisciplinary research.
- Clear and comprehensive written documentation of all research activities is required. Compile reports, both oral and written, for publications and conference presentations. This individual will assist in the supervision and training of junior lab members (e.g. undergraduate students, graduate and medical students, and research staff) in laboratory techniques and safety.
Required Qualifications*
This selected candidate must hold a PhD or an equivalent degree and have a minimum of 2-4 years of experience in cellular and molecular biology, possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an ability to independently design and perform research, and exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualifications*
The ideal candidate will possess excellent writing and verbal communication skills, a positive and inquisitive attitude and interpersonal skills to successfully work in a team environment. Job duties include preparing clear and concise oral and written reports detailing the status of ongoing work, using spreadsheets, word processing, and graphics computer programs, participating in lab meetings, and accomplishing general laboratory tasks and other related tasks as assigned. The chosen candidate will be expected to uphold NIH standards and Federal and State regulations in all aspects of his/her job performance. Our laboratories offer a very productive and exciting research environment. The individual will be a key member of our Laboratory and will work closely with the laboratory director.
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.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.