RESEARCH INVESTIGATOR

Apply Now
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

Note: This is a one-year term-limited appointment. 

The laboratory of Carole Parent at the Life Sciences Institute is looking for a Research Investigator to lead two (2) research projects. The first project aims to understand the mechanism(s) by which the secretion of LTB4from neutrophils regulates temporal inflammatory responses. The second project focuses on exploring the mechanisms that mediate LTB4 biogenesis in alveolar macrophages during inflammation or infection. You are also expected to write grant applications and present your research work in scientific conferences within and outside the University. You will report directly to Dr. Parent and will work full-time on-site.

Responsibilities*

Experimental responsibilities will include:

• Design experiments with primary neutrophils, neutrophil-like HL-60 cell lines, and alveolar macrophages to study immune responses of neutrophils and alveolar macrophages.
• Develop assays to assess neutrophil chemotaxis on 2D and 3D surfaces and evaluate migration parameters.
• Create genetic in-frame fusion of fluorescent proteins (FP) to different proteins of interest by using DNA cloning to create mammalian expression vector constructs carrying chimeric genes.
• Transfect of mammalian cells to generate lenti- and retroviral particles and create neutrophil and macrophage cell lines stably expressing the protein of interest.
• Generate gene knockout in various immune cell lines using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing.
• Design and optimize immunofluorescence staining protocols to visualize the expression and localization of proteins in neutrophils and alveolar macrophages.
• Perform high-resolution and high-content imaging, and design computational pipelines for the high throughput analysis of images.
• Perform biochemical analysis such as subcellular fractionation, nucleus isolation, and nuclear membrane fractionation.
• Isolate and analyze extracellular vesicles.
• Design protocols for lipidomic and proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry.
• Design approaches to assess the role of mechanotransduction in cell migration.
• Perform flow cytometry to quantify changes in surface receptor expression.
• Maintaining mammalian cell cultures and cryopreservation.

Non-experimental responsibilities will include:

• Provide consultation and advice to laboratory members in areas of expertise.
• Assist the PI in preparing manuscripts and grants.
• Mentor the research work of junior trainees in the lab including graduate (master and doctoral) and undergraduate students.
• Present research work at scientific platforms within and outside the University.

Required Qualifications*

• Ph.D. in membrane trafficking, cell biology, or a related discipline.
• Three years of post-doctoral research experience.
• Three years of experience in cell migration, cell biology, immunology, and intracellular trafficking.
• Three years of technical expertise in biochemical approaches, molecular biology, genomic editing, mechanobiology, and microscopy.
• Three years of experience mentoring research activities and editing manuscript/thesis work of junior trainees.
• Strong publication and scientific presentation record.

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:

Generous time off

• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Legal 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 Wednesday, April 17th before midnight. 

U-M EEO/AA Statement

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