RESEARCH FELLOW

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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.

Summary

Postdoctoral Research Fellow positions are available in the lab of Dr. Tobias W. Giessen in the Biological Chemistry department at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (https://giessenlab.bme.umich.edu/). The Giessen Lab conducts interdisciplinary research at the chemistry-biology interface utilizing a broad range of biochemical, structural biology, microbiological, and synthetic biology approaches.

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine 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.

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems.  In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

Responsibilities*

We are looking for highly motivated scientists to join our efforts in two exciting research areas:

Structure, function, and engineering of microbial protein compartments and enzyme filaments with a focus on single particle cryo-EM, protein biochemistry, and protein engineering. We are seeking applicants with a background in single particle cryo-EM to investigate the structure and molecular function of native and engineered encapsulin nanocompartments and enzyme filaments. The Giessen Lab has full access to the world-class cryo-EM resources at U of M which include two Titan Krios microscopes, one Talos Arctica microscope, and one Glacios microscope (https://www.lsi.umich.edu/science/centers-technologies/cryo-electron-microscopy).

Enzymology and synthetic biology applications of bacterial natural product biosynthesis. We are seeking applicants with a background in enzymology and natural product science to study bacterial cyclic dipeptide natural products and explore synthetic biology applications of their biosynthetic enzymes. Protein crystallography experience is a plus.

In addition, this position will contribute to laboratory seminars and discussions, allowing the candidate to impact the direction of their research project and other projects within the research group. Assist in training of lab members. Contribute to preparing research for publication and ensure that the research is performed according to the best practice in compliance with the University of Michigan and funding agency's guidelines. 

Required Qualifications*

PhD in biological sciences or related field with at least 2-3 years of laboratory research experience. A strong background in either single particle cryo-EM, protein crystallography, enzymology, or protein engineering is also required. The ability to work productively in a team environment with people from diverse backgrounds, work with limited supervision to identify a broad range of techniques to achieve the project's primary goal. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, able to multi-task efficiently, work independently and be committed to research. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

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/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.