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.

Job Summary

The assistant research scientist will provide leadership to the autonomous science subgroup within the Jensen Lab. The candidate will perform independent research in laboratory automation, scheduling, and AI-driven science. They will oversee project management, documentation, and quality assurance for research projects, including developing protocols, assays, data management standards, software interfaces. The assistant research scientist will help supervise data collection, train students/technicians, conduct literature reviews, and interpret results. The position will require limited travel to present at meetings and conferences. The assistant research scientist will co-author research publications, project reports, interview protocols, and surveys. Finally, the assistant research scientist will support the principal investigator in developing grant proposals.

Who We Are

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, and create collaborative solutions to societal problems.

Why Work at Michigan?

Michigan Engineers are world-class educators, researchers, students and staff who strive to build a people-first future. As part of a top national public research institution, Michigan Engineering's mission is to provide scientific and technological leadership to the people of the world, develop intellectually curious and socially conscious minds, create collaborative solutions to societal problems, and promote an inclusive and innovative community of service for the common good.

Responsibilities*

Perform independent research in the theory and practice of autonomous science.
Oversee the operation of an automated, AI-driven laboratory.
Supervise laboratory technicians conducting high-throughput experiments.
Train undergraduate and graduate students in research methods.
Conduct literature reviews.
Coordinate with investigators at collaborating research sites.
Prepare project reports.
Draft publications.
Present research, including at national conferences.
Support grant proposal development.

Required Qualifications*

PhD in biomedical engineering or related field.
4+ years experience conducting research on laboratory automation and autonomous science.
Evidence (via peer review publications) of expertise in optimization, including reinforcement learning, Markov decision processes, linear modeling, and linear/quadratic/mixed-integer programming.
Proficiency with computer programming and relational databases.
Knowledge of basic microbiology and molecular biology.

Desired Qualifications*

Supervisory experience.
Financial management experience.
Knowledge of the Julia programming language, including macro programming, JuMP, and database libraries.

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 anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.