How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
NOTE: This position is term-limited for four (4) months
The Mosalaganti lab at the University of Michigan is seeking a Research Investigator to join the team and continue working on establishing faithful in vitro models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). You will leverage these models to recapitulate and investigate disease-associated patterns of protein aggregation, uncovering basic mechanisms of disease and paving the way for new biomarkers.
The work will be carried out together with the Barmada lab, which has a long-standing interest in delineating the molecular underpinnings of ALS and FTD through a combination of neuroscience, molecular biology, genome engineering, longitudinal microscopy, and stem cell biology. In a complementary fashion, the Mosalaganti lab uses cryo-electron tomography, correlative light, and electron microscopy approaches to elucidate the structure of disease-related protein complexes in situ.
As a Research Investigator, you will have unencumbered access to equipment and microscopes located in the Department of Neurology and at the Life Sciences Institute, including a Leica Stellaris cryo-confocal, an Aquilos2, a Titan Krios G4i (with K3, Bioquantum imaging filter, and phase plate), and an Oxford Nanoimager. You will report directly to Drs. Mosalaganti and Barmada and will work fully onsite.
Queries regarding the project must be directed to [email protected].
Mission Statement
The Life Sciences Institute explores biological processes, structures, and functions at the finest scale to create impact on a global scale. With a diverse community of inquisitive minds and exceptional tools, we are a catalyst for breakthrough discoveries.
For more information on the Mosalaganti lab: https://www.lsi.umich.edu/science/our-labs/mosalaganti-lab
Responsibilities*
Experimental responsibilities will include:
- Culture, maintenance, and differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells
- PCR and quantitative reverse transcriptase (qRT)-PCR
- Molecular cloning
- Genome editing (i.e., CRISPR/Cas9)
- Immunostaining
- Western blotting
- Quantitative data analysis of microscopy data
- Cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy, cryo-focused ion beam milling and cryo-electron tomography data collection and analysis.
- Writing and submitting manuscripts
Non-experimental responsibilities will include:
- Provide consultation and advice to lab members in areas of expertise
- Maintain clear laboratory notebooks
- Provide detailed documentation so experiments can be replicated
- Follow laboratory best practices for safety and quality
- Help manage projects
- Assist PI in preparing manuscripts and grants
Required Qualifications*
- Ph.D. in molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, or related discipline
- Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral work experience
- Minimum 4 years experience in cell and molecular biology techniques, including confocal microscopy, cryo-fluorescence microscopy, cryo-focused ion beam milling, and cryo-electron tomography data collection and analysis
- Minimum 3 years experience in handling and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into neurons
- Minimum 3 years experience in handling iNeurons
- Strong publication record in relevant work
- Prior experience working in a collaborative environment
Desired Qualifications*
- Minimum 2 years experience in light microscopy and tomography data analysis
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.
Additional Information
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Dental and Vision Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Application Deadline
All applications for this position must be received by Thursday November 6th, 2025 by 11:59p.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.