RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR

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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.

Mission Statement

The Life Sciences Institute explores biological processes, structures and functions at the finest scale to create impact on a global scale.

For more information on the Weiss laboratory: https://www.lsi.umich.edu/science/our-labs/weiss-lab

Job Summary

Please note: This position is term-limited for 2 years. 

The laboratory of Stephen J. Weiss, at the Life Sciences Institute, is looking for a Research Investigator to oversee a research project to study the role of lymph node stromal cells in regulating immune cell function in health, following immune activation and in cancer. Major goals include characterizing the structure and function of fibroblast reticular cells in vivo and in vitro, using a combination of cell and molecular biology in 2D and 3D culture and transgenic mouse engineering. These studies will require considerable expertise and research experiences in cell and molecular biology techniques, including confocal microscopy, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), cloning, gene expression and protein analyses and functional assays for characterizing immune cell function. In addition to planning and performing experiments, you will also oversee research performed by students and research technicians, report directly to Dr. Weiss and perform your work onsite at the LSI.

Responsibilities*

Experimental responsibilities will include:

  • Design experiments in collaboration with others
  • Design constructs to produce proteins in forms suited for their specific downstream use
  • Use modern cloning methodologies to clone multiple genes and fragments into the appropriate bacterial, baculovirus and mammalian expression vectors
  • Maintain mammalian cell cultures and stocks
  • Maintain and dispense from mammalian vector libraries
  • Use CRISPR/Cas9 based technologies
  • Manage transgenic mouse colony
  • Perform quantitative analyses and communicate findings through reports and summaries
  • Solve experimental problems that arise in any of the responsibilities

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 three (3) years experience of post-doctoral work
  • Minimum five (5) years experience in cell and molecular biology techniques, including confocal microscopy, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), cloning, gene expression and protein analyses and functional assays for characterizing cell function
  • Minimum three (3) years experience managing transgenic mouse colony
  • Minimum three (3) years experience mentoring students and research staff
  • Strong publication record in relevant work
  • Prior experience working in a collaborative environment

Desired Qualifications*

  • Minimum two (2) years experience characterizing mouse transgenic models

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 Tuesday, March 31st by midnight.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.