Research Scientist

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.

• Designing and executing experiments in NK cell mechanobiology, endothelial cell mechanotransduction under fluid shear stress, and mast cell mechanosensing
• Analyzing data using computational tools
• Contributing to manuscript preparation and grant reporting
• Traction force microscopy
• Flow chamber assays
• NK cell assays
• Image analysis
• Paper writing
• Student mentoring

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Pharmacology, Cell Biology, Bioinformatics, Biochemistry, or a closely related field.

• Minimum one year of hands‑on research laboratory experience, including mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, and fluorescence microscopy.

• Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering or a related field.
• Research experience in a mechanobiology, cell biophysics, or immunology laboratory.

• Proficiency in mammalian cell culture techniques.
• Experience with fluorescence microscopy and quantitative image analysis.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple experimental work streams simultaneously, and troubleshoot experimental problems.
• Strong written and verbal scientific communication skills.
• Attention to detail and precision in experimental execution.

• 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.

Standard wet laboratory environment. Requires use of personal protective equipment (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.

• Employee safety overview
• Anti‑harassment, discrimination, retaliation training
• Annual data security training
• Annual Title IX training
• Laboratory safety orientation
• Bloodborne pathogen training
• Chemical hygiene

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring that they have eligibility to work in the United States without employer sponsorship prior to the effective date of appointment and must maintain such eligibility throughout the appointment.

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. 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.

The minimum salary for this position is $50,000. Final salary will depend on experience and qualifications.