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.

An exciting opportunity has been created for a postdoctoral fellow to join an islet biology and metabolism research laboratory. He/she will be an integral member of research team whose focus is the regulation of pancreatic beta cell function and the development of diabetes mellitus.

Our laboratory focuses on identifying mechanisms by which key signaling pathways regulate beta cell function and their role in the failure of beta cells in diabetes mellitus.

The laboratory currently pursues two main topics of research that are related to each other:

1. We examine signaling pathways that govern pancreatic islet cell function and proliferation. We focus on mechanisms underlying beta-cell failure in diabetes mellitus to identify novel molecular targets for diabetes therapy.
2. We examine inter-tissue signaling in regulating metabolic homeostasis. We focus on the endocrine communication between the liver and the endocrine pancreatic cells.

We use genetically-defined mouse models, cell culture systems, stem cell differentiation and sophisticated molecular techniques to understand the physiology and pathophysiology of the pancreatic islet. Our goal is to identify and understand novel molecular mechanisms that regulate beta cell function and identify potential

The individual will be responsible for leading a collaborative research project focused on beta cell functional regulation and dysfunction in diabetes. Expertise in in vivo phenotyping rodent models, molecular biology, biochemistry, and genomics will be an asset for the candidate. Additional responsibilities include, but are not limited to: maintaining a high level of professional expertise in the field; supervising and providing guidance and mentorship to other scientists within the laboratory; designing and directing or executing experiments; and establishing laboratory procedures and systems that enforce and maintain a high level of organization in the lab. The individual will have demonstrated success in leading, managing and participating in collaborative projects and a distinguished record of scientific and technical accomplishments.  She/He will have the ability to gain the confidence of other scientists, and staff, and the ability to develop strategic relationships and partnerships with key constituents.

Specifically the requirements include: Running a laboratory project of his/her own- Independently develop and manage research experiments, determining the most suitable methods to be used.  Interpret and perform complex data analysis on experimental results and determine whether they are consistent with goals.  Maintain a high level of professional expertise through familiarity with current scientific literature.  As needed, develop innovative techniques and experimental systems to meet research program goals.

Scientific writing and project development- Prepare research findings for presentation at scientific meetings and conference and manuscripts for publication.  Write grant applications.

Collaborative Interactions: Develop, foster and maintain relationships with partners in academia and in the pharmaceutical/biotechnology industries.

Train and mentor students and lab staff.

MD, MD/ PhD, or PhD

• Expertise in genomics and islet biology are strongly preferred.
• Expertise with ChIP-seq RNA-seq and data visualization/analysis is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 KO technology is strongly preferred. (Molecular biology techniques required: chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), PCR, primer design, cell culture, transfections, transductions, Western blots, cloning)
• Basic experience in programming languages such as R, Java, and/or other relevant languages, as well as Understanding of advanced statistics and probability and experience or openness to learn programming languages such as R, Python are strongly desiredPeer reviewed publication record.
• Passion for science and inquiry.
• Ability to synthesize one’s own results and others to formulate hypotheses
• Must possess energy and drive to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Must have excellent communication, analytical and organizational skills:  both written and verbal.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team while being collaborative in resolving problems.
• Proficient with computers specifically MS Office (which includes, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint) and statistical analysis software.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to maintain effective working relationships
• Technical proficiency, scientific creativity, collaborative ability, and independent thinker
• Demonstrated ability to learn new and innovative processes

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.

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.

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.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.