Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Summary

Postdoctoral research positions are available in the immunology laboratory of Chang H. Kim in the Department of Pathology and the Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center at the University of Michigan. We seek motivated, scientifically rigorous researchers who demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a strong commitment to advancing immunology research. Successful candidates will join a productive and collaborative team in a modern, interconnected laboratory environment. The laboratory offers dedicated mentorship and has a strong track record of supporting researchers pursuing careers in academia and industry. Ideal candidates will take ownership of their projects, approach scientific challenges thoughtfully, communicate progress and setbacks openly, and follow through on research commitments. We value careful experimental work, reproducible findings, and meaningful scientific contributions. Positions are supported by National Institutes of Health research and training grants and/or institutional funding at the University of Michigan. Both domestic and international candidates are encouraged to apply.

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

Postdoctoral researchers will develop and advance research projects in immunology while contributing to a collaborative laboratory environment. Responsibilities include:

• Critically evaluating the scientific literature and developing testable hypotheses.
• Designing and conducting well-controlled experiments with appropriate attention to rigor and reproducibility.
• Analyzing and interpreting results, troubleshooting experiments, and adapting research plans based on evidence.
• Maintaining accurate, organized, and complete experimental records and research data.
• Establishing research milestones with the principal investigator, managing priorities, and communicating progress and challenges promptly.
• Preparing manuscripts and presenting findings at laboratory meetings and scientific conferences.
• Maintaining shared research resources and contributing to responsible laboratory practices.
• Working constructively with colleagues and incorporating feedback to strengthen research outcomes.

Research opportunities include:

• Mucosal and systemic immunology and allergic immune responses.
• Lymphocyte development, migration, and effector functions.
• Regulation of mast cells and other immune cells by gut microbial metabolites.
• Regulation of T cells and mast cells by retinoic acid and its receptors.
• Tumor and viral immunology.

Laboratory website: Chang H. Kim Laboratory

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in immunology or a related life science discipline.
• A record of research accomplishment, demonstrated through peer-reviewed publications and substantive contributions to research projects.
• A strong interest in immunology, supported by relevant research experience and publications.
• Demonstrated ability to design, execute, analyze, and communicate scientific research.
• Evidence of initiative, reliability, effective project management, and follow-through on research commitments.
• A commitment to research integrity, rigorous methods, and reproducible results.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a collaborative team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience conducting in vivo research with rodents and working with human tissues.
• Experience with molecular biology methods and next-generation sequencing data analysis.
• Research experience relevant to one or more of the laboratory’s focus areas.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot technical problems and bring research projects to completion