Ensured Consideration Date: 18 Jul 2026
Michigan Technological University is an R1 technological research university founded in 1885 in Houghton. Our rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's scenic Upper Peninsula and is home to nearly 7,500 students from more than 60 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, Michigan's flagship technological university offers more than 185 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Research focus areas include defense, health, energy, automotive, environment, and aerospace.
The area's waters, forests, and snowfall support year-round recreation, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking, and paddling. The University is an integral part of the region, supported by a friendly and welcoming community that takes pride in being a true college town. We embrace our size, climate, sense of adventure, and originality.
Summary
The Research Scientist will conduct and lead federally funded research in cell mechanobiology and immune cell function within the Han Mechanobiology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Technological University. Primary responsibilities include designing and executing experiments in NK cell mechanobiology, endothelial cell mechanotransduction under fluid shear stress, and mast cell mechanosensing; analyzing data using computational tools; and contributing to manuscript preparation and grant reporting. This is a soft-funded, fixed-term position.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties
Designing and executing experiments in NK cell mechanobiology, endothelial cell mechanotransduction under fluid shear stress, and mast cell mechanosensing; analyzing data using computational tools; and contributing to manuscript preparation and grant reporting.
* Traction Force Microscopy
* Flow Chamber
* NK Cell Assays
* Image analysis
* Paper writing
* Student mentoring
Required Education, Certifications, Licensures
* Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.
Required Experience
* Minimum one year of hands-on research laboratory experience. Including mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and fluorescence microscopy.
Desirable Education and/or Experience
* Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
* Research experience in a mechanobiology, cell biophysics, or immunology laboratory.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
* Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques.
* Experience with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
* Ability to work independently, manage multiple experimental workstreams simultaneously, and troubleshoot experimental problems.
* Strong written and verbal scientific communication skills.
* Attention to detail and precision in experimental execution.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities
* Experience with traction force microscopy (TFM) and/or hydrogel or silicone substrate fabrication.
* Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or FIJI for quantitative image analysis.
* Experience with immune cell functional assays and molecular biological skills.
* Experience operating microfluidic or fluid shear stress systems.
* Knowledge of mechanobiology, cell adhesion dynamics, or immune cell biology.
Work Environment and/or Physical Demands
Standard wet laboratory environment. Requires use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, lab coat, and eye protection. Position involves handling BSL-1 and BSL-2 biological materials, chemical reagents, and sensitive laboratory instrumentation. May require standing for extended periods during experimental procedures.
Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment
Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.
Required University Training:
Employee Safety Overview
Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
Annual Data Security Training
Annual Title IX Training
Background Check:
Offers of employment are contingent upon and not
considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and
the results received and assessed.
Completion of all required Michigan Tech laboratory safety training modules, including laboratory safety orientation, bloodborne pathogen training, and chemical hygiene. Compliance with all applicable university, NIH, and IACUC research regulations as applicable.
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) % (1=100%)
1
FLSA Status
Exempt
Appointment Term
9 months
Shift
-
Pay Rate/Salary
The minimum salary for this position is $50,000. Thefinal salary will depend on experience and qualifications.
Title of Position Supervisor
Associate Professor
Posting Type
Internal & External
Dependent on Funding
Yes
Additional Information
This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech's hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or
[email protected].
Other Conditions of Employment:
Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national... For full info follow application link.
Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
