How to Apply
To be considered, please submit a 1-page cover letter concisely outlining your research interests, experience, and expertise in addition to your specific interest in this position.
Attach a full CV.
Job Summary
The Cartilage Healing and Regeneration (CHaRM) lab at Michigan addresses one of the prevalent causes of OA development, unrepaired traumatic articular cartilage injury. The CHaRM lab was established with the specific intent of transforming the way cartilage injury, repair, and disease progression are investigated. Broadly, we?ve taken a precision medicine approach that ranges from reprogramming intracellular signaling of cells to modeling whole joint mechanics to understand and modify these systems at their respective length scales. Our research focuses on engineering stem cells to self-regulate their phenotype, systems-level evaluation of stem cell chondrogenesis and maturation, and whole knee biomechanics.
We are looking for a diligent, talented, and self-motivated individual with an interest in experimentation, analytical workflows, and scientific teamwork to be a Postdoctoral Fellow in the CHaRM lab, specifically to work on our synthetic biology project. Our goal is to build on the current gene circuit to target effectors identified through transcriptomic analysis to modulate chondrocyte function during neocartilage formation.
This position offers the opportunity to work 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 ethic, and conceptual knowledge.
The Michigan Medicine Department of Orthopaedic Surgery 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 Orthopaedic Surgery is conducted by a diverse group of faculty, staff and trainees with expertise in biology, engineering, epidemiology, health outcomes and healthcare. 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 the Biomedical Science Research Building, with additional clinical research sites. Currently there are extensive shared core resources and a team of core research staff.
Responsibilities*
- Plan, coordinate, execute, and disseminate innovative basic-science research focused on musculoskeletal disease, trauma, and regeneration.
- Conduct experiments as part of already-funded grants and generate preliminary data for new grant applications.
- Assist in writing grant proposals, in collaboration with the laboratory director and other senior group members, to obtain funding from federal, private, and university sources.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with our multi-disciplinary team of scientists, trainees, and clinicians.
- Exhibit the ability to manage multiple projects and assignments with a high degree of autonomy
- Supervise undergraduate and graduate students in the execution of assigned studies and duties. Develop close mentoring relationships to continue to promote the rich learning environment already in place in our group.
- If applicable, write technical patent applications explaining our unique innovations to a diverse audience
- Write manuscripts to summarize and disseminate research findings.
- Travel to and present at regional, national, and international scientific conferences.
- Obtain independent grant funding to facilitate transition to an independent faculty position
Required Qualifications*
Qualified applicants must have a PhD degree in biology, Life Sciences, Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field. They should also have at least 5 years of experience conducting laboratory-based research (e.g. cell culture, molecular biology/biochemistry, and mouse studies), proficiency with word processing and spreadsheets (e.g. GraphPad; Microsoft Word/Excel/ PowerPoint, Google Docs/Sheets/Slides), competent verbal and written communication skills, and experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate students.
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.