Communication Research Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Research Scientist
Job No: 26101
Department: Health Research Institute
Work Type: Staff - Full Time
Location: Main Campus (Houghton, MI)
Full Time / Part Time: Full Time
Categories: Sciences, Research
Applications Close:
Ensured Consideration Date: 31 Jul 2026
Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.
The area's waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.
Summary
At the Health Research Institute (HRI) at Michigan Technological University, researchers are tackling a wide variety of health challenges. From engineering advanced wound care materials and pioneering vaccine and gene therapy manufacturing to harnessing AI to improve medical image analysis-or unraveling the gut-brain connection in disease-our researchers are doing translational, interdisciplinary, and increasingly convergent work.
HRI is seeking a Research Scientist or Engineer to join our interdisciplinary organization with a focus on bioprocessing and process analytical technologies (PAT) or using an atomic force microscope (AFM) with biological material. The position will be highly collaborative with the Heldt Bioseparations Laboratory, including receiving mentorship. We look forward to welcoming an exceptional researcher who is willing to drive innovation, build new collaborations, and develop an externally funded research program. They will also provide mentorship to graduate students and other researchers in their field of expertise. Affiliation with academic departments is available to qualified candidates. The ideal candidate is a self-starting, driven researcher with a desire to learn and participate in the development of a sustainable research program.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties
• Participate in and help develop a highly active research program in bioprocessing or AFM with a focus on biologics and gene therapy processing.
• Perform laboratory experiments, write proposals and publications in peer-reviewed journals, and present at conferences.
• Mentor graduate students and other researchers in the lab.
• Manage programs through HRI and the Heldt Bioseparations Laboratory.
• Maintain a safe, compliant office and laboratory environment.
• Maintain a culture of inclusivity and curiosity.
• Participate in HRI and inter-institute meetings, events, and conferences.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in university continuous improvement initiatives.
• Some travel may be required.
• Other duties as required.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures
• PhD in chemical engineering, biological engineering, biomedical engineering or a closely related field.
Required Experience
• Experience in developing innovative upstream or downstream unit operations, PAT, or AFM characterization for biologics, gene therapy, and/or mRNA technologies.
• Experience in publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at scientific conferences.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver technical information both orally and written to peer audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and with group members in a team.
Desirable Education and/or Experience
• +1 year post doctoral experience.
• Experience working with gene therapy vectors.
• Experience with atomic force microscopy.
• Experience mentoring researchers at different levels.
• Experience leading teams.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
• Strong laboratory skills in basic biochemical techniques.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
• Demonstrate an ability to communicate research to a wide audience, including fellow researchers in other disciplines, the public, students, and practitioners.
• Desire to learn how to write fundable grant applications.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands
WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment
Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following training courses:
• Employee Safety Overview
• Annual Data Security Training
• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Title IX Training
Additional training will be required by the department on a periodic basis.
Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
1
FLSA Status
Exempt
Appointment Term
12 months
Shift
Pay Rate/Salary
The minimum salary for this position is $80,000. The final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.
Title of Position Supervisor
Executive Director
Posting Type
Internal & External
Dependent on Funding
Yes
Additional Information
This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech's hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.
Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of your appointment, and maintain eligibility without sponsorship throughout your appointment.
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains current campus safety and disciplinary policies, crime statistics for the previous 3 calendar years, and on-campus student housing fire safety policies and fire statistics for the previous 3 calendar years. Michigan Tech will provide a paper copy upon request; please contact the Michigan Tech Public Safety.
In compliance with the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) and its implementing regulations (34 CFR Part 86), Michigan Tech is committed to maintaining a drugfree campus environment and actively promoting the health and safety of its community. Find our notice that outlines the University's policies, legal sanctions, health risks, and available support resources related to the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol.
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures* (minimum requirements)
Advertised: 10 Jul 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications Close:
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