Job Summary
The Department of Emergency Medicine seeks a Computational Biologist/Bioinformatics candidate to join the Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation?s preclinical Critical Care Laboratory. This position will support multidisciplinary investigations in the study of mechanisms, monitoring, progression and treatment of critical illness and injury, including hemorrhagic shock, sudden cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The successful candidate will independently design, implement, and validate novel bioinformatics and computational analysis approaches for complex preclinical, translational, and clinically relevant datasets, supporting multiple newly funded grants. Responsibilities include
evaluating analytical strategies, advising on experimental design and statistical rigor, and developing reproducible analysis pipelines. In addition, the position will collaborate directly with preclinical investigators to support experimental studies, including assisting with study planning, protocol development, data collection, and quality control of physiological and imaging data. The computational biologist may participate in preclinical experiments as needed to ensure appropriate data acquisition, annotation, and integration with downstream analyses. The role includes active review of scientific literature, evaluation of emerging computational tools, and contribution to best practices in data management and analytical transparency. The position works closely with laboratory director, faculty, and research staff while exercising independence in analytical and methodological decision-making.
Responsibilities*
This position will lead complex computational analyses supporting multiple newly funded research projects. Responsibilities include processing, alignment, and analysis of time-series and longitudinal data from preclinical studies. The role involves developing and implementing custom computational models and analyses, informed by active review of the scientific literature to identify appropriate methodologies. The computational biologist will perform data cleaning, feature extraction, statistical analysis, and post-processing of large, multimodal datasets. A major focus is the application and evaluation of machine learning and predictive modeling approaches to address research questions in partnership with faculty and collaborators. The position requires effective communication and the ability to work both independently and within interdisciplinary teams.
Required Qualifications*
- Bachelor?s degree in relevant scientific or quantitative discipline with at least one year of experience in computational, bioinformatics, or data-intensive research.
- Experience with data analysis and computational methods, including statistical modeling, applied machine learning techniques, and management of structured research datasets.
- Familiarity with preclinical research environments, including collaboration with animal research teams; experience with large animal research is required.
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, manage multiple concurrent projects, and communicate effectively in a collaborative academic research setting.
- Strong organizational, multitasking, and written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualifications*
- Bachelor?s degree in relevant scientific discipline required, advanced training or equivalent experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or a related field preferred.
- Experience (2?3 years preferred) supporting preclinical or translational research, including familiarity with animal research environments; large animal research experience is a plus.
- Experience with data analysis and computational methods, including statistical modeling, machine learning approaches, and management of complex research datasets (e.g., structured databases, data warehousing, or shared analysis environments).
- Experience contributing to research literature reviews, manuscripts, and grant applications is preferred.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, effective written and verbal communication, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a collaborative academic research environment.
- A strong interest in developing new analytical, computational, and experimental skills is expected.
Work Schedule
Full time, Monday thru Friday. The schedule might be variable requiring working occasional night, evening, and weekend shifts as expected by requirements of the study being performed.
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.