RESEARCH FELLOW
Ann Arbor, MI · On-site
Research Fellows will have opportunities to learn cutting edge techniques including biomaterials fabrication and characterization, synthetic receptor design, cell engineering, microphysiological ...
RESEARCH FELLOW
Ann Arbor, MI · On-site
Research Fellows will have opportunities to learn cutting edge techniques including biomaterials fabrication and characterization, synthetic receptor design, cell engineering, microphysiological ...
Microphysiological information
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Microphysiological Systems Scientist, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Microphysiological Systems Scientist, you need a strong background in cell biology, tissue engineering, and biomaterials, typically supported by an advanced degree in biological sciences or bioengineering. Familiarity with microfluidic device fabrication, imaging systems, and analytical software like MATLAB or ImageJ is often required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and strong collaboration skills are crucial in this interdisciplinary field. These skills enable the design and analysis of complex biological models that advance drug discovery and biomedical research.
What are microphysiological systems?
Microphysiological systems, also known as organ-on-a-chip technologies, are advanced laboratory models that replicate the functions of human organs on a miniature scale. These systems use living cells arranged on micro-engineered platforms to mimic the structure and function of tissues and organs. They are used in biomedical research to study disease mechanisms, drug responses, and toxicity in a controlled environment, potentially reducing the need for animal testing. Microphysiological systems provide more accurate and human-relevant data compared to traditional cell cultures or animal models.
What is the difference between Microphysiological vs Cell Culture Technician?
| Aspect | Microphysiological | Cell Culture Technician |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically requires a degree in biology, biomedical engineering, or related fields | Often requires a degree or certification in biology or laboratory techniques |
| Work Environment | Research labs, biotech companies, pharmaceutical testing facilities | Laboratories, research institutions, biotech companies |
| Industry Usage | Used in drug testing, disease modeling, tissue engineering | Used in cell growth, maintenance, and preparation for experiments |
Microphysiological roles focus on creating complex tissue models that mimic human organs, often requiring advanced technical skills. Cell Culture Technicians primarily handle cell growth and maintenance. While both roles involve laboratory work and biological expertise, Microphysiological positions typically demand more specialized knowledge in tissue engineering and organ-on-chip systems.
What are some common challenges faced by microphysiological system researchers, and how can new team members prepare for them?
Microphysiological system researchers often encounter challenges such as integrating complex biological and engineering concepts, troubleshooting device malfunctions, and ensuring reproducibility of experimental results. New team members can prepare by staying updated on the latest advances in organ-on-chip technologies, refining their problem-solving skills, and actively communicating with multidisciplinary colleagues. Participating in regular team meetings and collaborating closely with engineers, biologists, and data analysts will help address issues as they arise and foster a supportive research environment.
What are popular job titles related to Microphysiological jobs in Michigan? For Microphysiological jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Microphysiological jobs in Michigan look for? The top searched job categories for Microphysiological jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Microphysiological jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Microphysiological job openings:
Full-time
Medical, Life, Retirement
Posted 7 days ago
University Of Michigan rating
8.1
Based on 140 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
131st of 532 rated colleges and universities
Job description
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.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The PRecision Immune MicroEnvironments (PRIME) lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (https://immunoengineers.com) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct new studies at the intersection of biomaterials and synthetic biology. Our work broadly focuses on understanding immune dysfunction in autoimmunity and chronic wounds and working with biomaterials and synthetic biology to diagnose / treat these conditions. The Research Fellow will work under the guidance of the laboratory PI, Dr. Aaron Morris, and together with other lab personnel. There are several open projects in the lab that range from drug and cell delivery to reprogram T cells in chronic wounds to materials for antigen delivery for assaying antigen-specific cells in autoimmunity to fabricating 3D models of lymphoid tissue.
Research Fellows will have opportunities to learn cutting edge techniques including biomaterials fabrication and characterization, synthetic receptor design, cell engineering, microphysiological models, scRNAseq, and rodent models of disease. The selected candidate will receive direct mentoring from PI and opportunities to write high impact manuscripts and contribute to grant proposals.
Responsibilities*
Required Qualifications*
Desired Qualifications*
Why Work at 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:
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 employment opportunity employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
277670
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
College Engineering
Department
CoE Biomedical Engineering
Posting Begin/End Date
5/15/2026 - 6/14/2026
Career Interest
Research Fellows
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.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
The PRecision Immune MicroEnvironments (PRIME) lab in the Department of Biomedical Engineering (https://immunoengineers.com) seeks a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to conduct new studies at the intersection of biomaterials and synthetic biology. Our work broadly focuses on understanding immune dysfunction in autoimmunity and chronic wounds and working with biomaterials and synthetic biology to diagnose / treat these conditions. The Research Fellow will work under the guidance of the laboratory PI, Dr. Aaron Morris, and together with other lab personnel. There are several open projects in the lab that range from drug and cell delivery to reprogram T cells in chronic wounds to materials for antigen delivery for assaying antigen-specific cells in autoimmunity to fabricating 3D models of lymphoid tissue.
Research Fellows will have opportunities to learn cutting edge techniques including biomaterials fabrication and characterization, synthetic receptor design, cell engineering, microphysiological models, scRNAseq, and rodent models of disease. The selected candidate will receive direct mentoring from PI and opportunities to write high impact manuscripts and contribute to grant proposals.
Responsibilities*
- Design and execute experiments that leverage biomaterials and/or synthetic biology approaches to tune immune responses.
- Fabricate and characterize biomaterial drug delivery systems targeting immune function.
- Molecular biology (work with bacteria, recombinant DNA).
- Cell culture and analysis in both 2D and 3D.
- Conduct / manage studies in mice.
- Managing and analyzing data (MATLAB, Graphpad, R Studio).
Required Qualifications*
- PhD in a relevant field such as bioengineering, molecular biology, or biochemistry.
- Experience with biomaterials fabrication or synthetic biology.
- Candidates must be interested in working with technical aspects of synthetic biology and/or biomaterials development with a desire to tackle challenging scientific and engineering questions.
- Proficiency with cell culture is expected and experience culturing primary immune cells is preferred.
- Proficiency with molecular cloning and/or plasmid DNA delivery.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience with rodent handling.
- Candidates should have the ability to work collegially and collaboratively in a team environment and independently. Effective interaction with faculty and peers is expected.
Desired Qualifications*
- Expertise in drug delivery.
- Proficiency with flow cytometry.
- Experience analyzing large sequencing datasets, particularly scRNAseq.
- Working knowledge of immunology.
Why Work at 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 with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Maternity and Parental Leave
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 employment opportunity employer.
Job Detail
Job Opening ID
277670
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
College Engineering
Department
CoE Biomedical Engineering
Posting Begin/End Date
5/15/2026 - 6/14/2026
Career Interest
Research Fellows
What University Of Michigan employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About University of Michigan
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
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