Research Area Specialist Senior

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally. Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Responsibilities*

Manages all phases of a large, complex research project with the principal investigator (PI) Dr. Burness. Works directly with Dr. Burness on the development and the implementation of the research plan and development of research goals. Conduct research experiments independently, including planning, executing, troubleshooting, and documenting experimental procedures in alignment with project goals.

Meet regularly with the PI, including weekly meetings, to review progress, discuss results, receive guidance, and set research priorities. Coordinate and manage day-to-day research activities within the laboratory or research program, including organizing experiments, maintaining workflows, and ensuring timely completion of project objectives.

Analyze, interpret, and summarize research data, including preparing figures, tables, reports, and other materials to support presentations, manuscripts, and grant applications. Develop, evaluate, and refine research methodologies, including recommending modifications to experimental approaches, protocols, or analytical techniques.

Lead manuscript preparation, including drafting, revising, and coordinating scholarly publications in collaboration with Dr. Burness and other research team members. Expected to co-author research publications. May write independent articles and make formal presentations with or without the PI.

Assist with grant proposal development, including contributing to writing, data preparation, project descriptions, budgets or budget justifications as appropriate, and other supporting materials in collaboration with Dr. Burness. Expected to write significant portions of research proposals.

Supervise and mentor students, including training in laboratory techniques, equipment use, experimental protocols, data collection, and research best practices.

Train laboratory users in equipment operation and research techniques, explaining equipment capabilities, limitations, proper use, and expected outcomes.

Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation, including experimental protocols, data files, safety materials, compliance documentation, and records needed for inspections or reporting.

Support laboratory safety and compliance, ensuring that research activities are conducted in accordance with applicable safety procedures, institutional policies, and regulatory requirements.

Serve as a research liaison as needed, communicating with collaborators, other departments, programs, agencies, or organizations to acquire data, share information, and advance research objectives.

Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications*

• Bachelor's degree
• 5-6 years of related experience, i.e., published in a field of specialty and academic knowledge in a field or discipline.

Desired Qualifications*

• Masters Degree preferred.
• Professional/doctoral degree (MD, PhD, or equivalent)
• Experience authoring or co-authoring publications and presenting findings at meetings and conferences
• Understanding and utilization of tumor response evaluation criteria, including but not limited to RECIST, irRECIST, Choi, WHO, Cheson/Lugano, PCWG, RANO, PERCIST, and customized versions of these established criteria

Why Join Michigan Medicine?

Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850\. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world?s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.

What Benefits can you Look Forward to?

• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
• 2:1 Match on retirement savings

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.

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 anytime 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.