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Junior Research Fellow Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Research Fellow to work on the design, development, and realization of future communications ... Must be able to work in collaborative multi-institutional teams with senior and junior scholars.

The Research Fellow, Pharma Toxicology, will provide comprehensive, cross functional preclinical ... Provide guidance, coaching, and mentorship to junior team members to support their scientific and ...

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Junior Research Fellow information

What is a junior research fellow?

A Junior Research Fellow (JRF) is an entry-level research position typically offered in academic institutions, universities, or research organizations. JRFs assist senior researchers or faculty members in conducting research projects, collecting data, analyzing results, and preparing scholarly papers or reports. This position is often funded through grants and may serve as a stepping stone toward a PhD or a career in research. Eligibility usually includes having a relevant postgraduate degree and sometimes qualifying in a national-level exam such as UGC NET or CSIR NET. JRFs gain valuable experience in academic research and often contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field.

What does a junior research fellow do?

As a Junior Research Fellow (JRF), your primary responsibilities include designing and conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to the preparation of research papers and reports. You will typically work closely with a principal investigator (PI), senior researchers, and sometimes graduate students, fostering a collaborative environment where sharing findings and troubleshooting experiments is common. JRFs are often expected to participate in lab meetings, present their work, and assist in grant writing or literature reviews. This role is highly collaborative, requiring effective communication and teamwork, and offers valuable exposure to advanced research methodologies, which can support your progression to more senior research positions or doctoral studies.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a junior research fellow?

To thrive as a Junior Research Fellow, you need a solid academic background in your field, strong analytical skills, and experience with research methodologies, often supported by a relevant postgraduate degree. Proficiency in data analysis tools (such as SPSS, R, or MATLAB), academic writing, and sometimes specialized laboratory equipment or software is typically required. Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective collaboration and communication skills help distinguish outstanding candidates. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality research, contributing to academic projects, and supporting the advancement of knowledge in your discipline.

What is the difference between Junior Research Fellow vs Research Associate?

AspectJunior Research FellowResearch Associate
Required CredentialsMaster's degree, often pursuing PhDMaster's or PhD, depending on the project
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutionsResearch labs, industry or academic settings
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutesUniversities, research organizations, industry
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level research rolesMore experienced, project-based roles

The Junior Research Fellow typically holds a master's degree and is engaged in research activities within academic or research institutions, often pursuing a PhD. The Research Associate usually has similar or higher qualifications and works on specific research projects, sometimes in industry. While both roles involve research, the Junior Research Fellow is more focused on academic research and training, whereas the Research Associate may have broader responsibilities and experience.

More about Junior Research Fellow jobs

What cities are hiring for Junior Research Fellow jobs?

Cities with the most Junior Research Fellow job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Research Fellow jobs?

The most popular types of Research Fellow jobs are:

What states have the most Junior Research Fellow jobs?

States with the most job openings for Junior Research Fellow jobs include:

Infographic showing various Junior Research Fellow job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

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Re-posted 23 days ago


University Of Michigan rating

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Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

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Job description

Mission Statement
The University of Michigan Health System is committed to improving the health of patients, populations, and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research, and technology development, guided by its Strategic Principles. The mission encompasses patient care, education, and research to enhance societal contributions nationally and internationally.
Job Summary
The Department of Dermatology is seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to investigate the molecular mechanisms governing epithelial regulation of immune responses in autoimmune and inflammatory skin disease. Our laboratory studies how keratinocytes orchestrate cutaneous immunity and how dysregulation of these pathways contributes to inflammatory skin diseases such as cutaneous lupus. Current projects integrate mechanistic molecular biology, mouse models, and cutting-edge multiomic analyses of human tissues to uncover epithelial gene regulatory networks and translate these discoveries into novel therapeutic strategies.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic and collaborative research team investigating the mechanisms underlying epithelial inflammation and immune dysregulation. This role includes supervising and training junior laboratory members, including undergraduate students, graduate students, and research staff, in laboratory techniques and safety. The individual will design and perform experiments, analyze and interpret data, perform statistical analyses, prepare presentations, conduct literature reviews, and draft research manuscripts and grant applications. The candidate should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, a positive and inquisitive attitude, and strong interpersonal skills. Collaboration with investigators across the University of Michigan and its core facilities, together with clear documentation of research activities, is essential. The successful candidate will have opportunities to develop independent research projects, present and publish their work, and pursue fellowship funding.
Responsibilities*
Responsibilities include molecular and cellular biology, mammalian cell culture, gene and protein expression analyses, gene perturbation approaches, and mechanistic studies of transcriptional regulation. The successful candidate will also conduct in vivo studies using mouse models of autoimmune skin disease, including tissue collection and phenotypic analyses, and contribute to the development of new experimental approaches. Experience with molecular biology, immunology, mouse models, transcriptional regulation, or genomic approaches is desirable but not required.
The selected candidate must uphold NIH standards and all applicable Federal and State regulations in all aspects of their research activities.
Required Qualifications*
This selected candidate must hold a PhD in biology or a related field within the last 3 years.
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.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
281728
Working Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Dermatology Department
Posting Begin/End Date
8/14/2026 - 8/21/2026
Career Interest
Research Fellows

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About University of Michigan

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The University of Michigan (U-M), based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is one of America's most esteemed institutions in higher education. Established in 1817, it presides in the industry of education and research, providing a range of services including undergraduate, graduate, and professional education programs. Complementing this is an extensive research activity that has significantly contributed to various fields, from healthcare to engineering, humanities to sports. Upholding its mission "to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values", U-M consistently ranks among the top universities globally, a testament to its tradition of excellence in learning and research, and a deep commitment to innovation and discovery.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

1817

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