• Research Fellow

    University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)


    RESEARCH FELLOW

    Job Summary

    The Pereira Lab at the Life Sciences Institute (LSI) is looking for a postdoctoral research fellow to join our research team. Our research integrates evolutionary systems and synthetic biology approaches to address the current challenges in natural product discovery. Through genome and enzyme engineering, we design high-performance microbial strains to accelerate the discovery and controlled production of natural products to develop new therapeutic leads.

     

    You will characterize the molecular mechanisms that regulate primary and secondary metabolism inStreptomycesspecies and will develop the cutting-edge experimental and computational approaches to accelerate natural product discovery. You will demonstrate strong teamwork, and you will have the academic freedom to independently develop the project in an interdisciplinary environment (60% wet lab and 40% computational). You will report directly to Dr. Pereira and work a fully on-site work schedule.

     

    Salary is determined by years or quality of experience.

     

    Mission Statement

     

    TheLife Sciences Institute (https://www.lsi.umich.edu/) explores biological processes, structures and functions at the finest scale to create impact on a global scale.

     

    For more information on the Pereira laboratory: https://www.lsi.umich.edu/science/our-labs/filipa-pereira-lab

    Responsibilities*

    Experimental responsibilities will include:

    + Perform genome engineering of Streptomycesstrains (e.g. CRISPR, homologous recombination, phage integration).

    + Design engineered strains for improved production of target compounds.

    + Design and implementation of protocols for high-throughput metabolomics analysis of microbial secondary and primary metabolome.

    + Characterize engineeredStreptomycesstrains integrating molecular and omics analysis (e.g. genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics).

    + Perform genome mining and (meta)genomics analysis.

    + Perform protein expression, purification, and characterization using biochemical assays.

    + Set up high-throughput screening methods and analytics including HPLC and/or LC-MS/MS.

    + Isolate and characterize natural products.

    Non-Experimental responsibilities will include:

    + Work/collaborate with other postdoctoral fellows and graduate students in and outside of the laboratory.

    + Mentor undergraduates and graduate students in the laboratory.

    + Work with the faculty PI on the preparation of manuscripts and grants.

    Required Qualifications*

    + Ph.D. degree in Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, Synthetic Biology, Microbiology, Systems Biology, Bioinformatics/Computational Biology, Biochemistry, or related fields.

    + Minimum two (2) years of experience in microbial strain engineering (e.g. CRISPR, homologous recombination, phage integration).

    + Minimum two (2) years of experience with cloning, genome editing, enzyme and pathway optimization.

    + Minimum two (2) years of experience with microbial cultivation.

    + Minimum two (2) years of experience with mass spectrometry.

    + Minimum two (2) years of experience with statistical analysis of omics datasets, especially metabolomics and genomics.

    + Minimum two (2) years of experience with programming language (e.g. Matlab, R or Python) and statistics.

    Desired Qualifications*

    + Minimum two (2) years of experience to learn systems biology approaches, high-throughput methodologies.

    + Minimum four (4) years of experience with biochemical and molecular biological methods.

    + Interest in mathematical modeling of metabolic and regulatory network.

     

    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 thework modes (https://hr.umich.edu/working-u-m/my-employment/ways-we-work-resource-center/ways-we-work-implementation-group/modes-work) .

     

    Additional Information

    Benefits at the University of Michigan:

    + 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:

    + Many choices for comprehensive health insurance

    + Dental and Vision Insurance

    + Life insurance

    + Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

    + Maternity and Parental Leave

     

    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

     

    All applications for this position must be received by 11:59p on January 26, 2026.

     

    U-M EEO Statement

     

    The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.

     

    Job Detail

     

    Job Opening ID

     

    272749

     

    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

     

    Life Sciences Inst

     

    Department

     

    Life Sciences Institute-Admin

     

    Posting Begin/End Date

     

    1/12/2026 - 1/26/2026

     

    Salary

     

    $62,232.00 -

     

    Career Interest

     

    Research Fellows