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What are the typical research responsibilities and collaborative expectations for a Junior Research Fellow within a university lab setting?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Junior Research Fellow, and why are they important?

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 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.
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What job categories do people searching Junior Research Fellow jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Junior Research Fellow jobs are:
Junior Research Fellow jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Research Fellow job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution.
RESEARCH FELLOW

RESEARCH FELLOW

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

University Of Michigan rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

134th of 560 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Summary
The successful candidate will play a key role in advancing projects and hypotheses on the role of the dark proteome in cancer, as part of the Cancer Grand Challenges team ILLUMINE. This position affords the exciting opportunity to be part of a research effort aiming to dissect the basis of cancer and its therapeutic implications.
This is a fully funded position. We are supportive of post-doctoral research fellows obtaining independent funding and/or career development awards to advance their independent academic careers.
Responsibilities*
The successful candidate will be expected to conduct and advance independent research projects focused on the cancer genome in pediatric brain tumors and other malignancies. The lab is broadly interested in the molecular basis of cancer.
The successful candidate will be able to advance cancer-related work around our active projects in:
  • Non-canonical open reading frames
  • RNA translational control
  • Therapeutic targeting of RNA translation
  • RNA diagnostics

The successful candidate will be expected to conduct wet-lab molecular biology, tissue culture, and high throughput screen experiments. Knowledge of bioinformatic analyses is considered a strength.
The candidate is expected to work independently on a daily basis, with regularly scheduled meetings with the Principal Investigator.
  • Develop and conduct independent and collaborative research projects that interface with one or more of the following: spatial translatomics, RNA translation, translational regulation, RNA therapeutics, RNA diagnostics, non-canonical open reading frames, and genomics with a focus on cancer biology, pediatric brain tumors, developmental biology, and human genetics.
  • Maintain and develop collaborations to advance the scientific work.
  • Document, compile, and format data analysis in presentations and reports to supervisor.
  • Mentors and trains junior lab members.
  • Nurture a lab culture that is collaborative, supportive and scientifically adventurous.

Required Qualifications*
Education
  • PhD in the life sciences, or other comparable degree (including MD or MD/PhD)

Skills and abilities
  • Exceptional organizational and critical thinking skills, analytical practices and attention to detail are essential.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels of staff and with external contacts are needed.
  • Ability and eagerness to learn in a self-motivating environment.

Desired Qualifications*
  • Prior experience with mammalian tissue culture, DNA/RNA molecular assays, protein biology, high-throughput genetic screens, and -omics datasets is desired
  • Prior experience with sequencing data analysis, coding in Python and R, is desired
  • Prior experience with mouse models of cancer is advantageous

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
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
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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
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
280167
Working Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Job Title
RESEARCH FELLOW
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Pediatrics-Hematology Oncol
Posting Begin/End Date
7/16/2026 - 8/15/2026
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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