"Research Investigator"

The Rainey Lab at the University of Michigan's Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology invites applications for a full-time Research Investigator to conduct independent investigations relating to the molecular mechanisms controlling adrenal cortex zonation and characterizing the pathologic cellular origins and adrenal somatic gene mutations causing primary aldosteronism.

The Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology seeks applications for a Research Investigator to conduct independent investigations relating to the molecular mechanisms controlling adrenal cortex zonation and characterizing the pathologic cellular origins and adrenal somatic gene mutations causing primary aldosteronism.

The successful candidate will be expected to take on a bench-to-bedside approach to characterizing the molecular mechanisms controlling adrenal zonation and the genetic causes and biomarkers of the different genotypes causing primary aldosteronism. In addition, the candidate is expected to participate in the supervision of laboratory technicians, graduate students, and undergraduate trainees under the direction of Dr. William E. Rainey.

The Research Investigator will be expected to work largely independently but also collaborate with staff, researchers, and students on projects to generate high-quality publications. Responsibilities include writing manuscript drafts, presenting data at national/international meetings and writing new grant proposals for eligible funding opportunities. The Research Investigator is also expected to participate in the supervision of technicians, graduate and undergraduate students, to attend lab meetings and relevant seminars and to participate in necessary training modules (including Responsible Conduct of Research).

Specifically, the focus will be on developing and implementing cell-based methodologies to investigate and characterize the genetic causes of primary aldosteronism using biological models and clinical specimens (e.g. patient-derived formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded adrenal tissue). Investigations will also include elements of next-generation sequencing and steroid quantifications using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Successful candidates must have: (i) a PhD in biological sciences, or related field with a minimum of 4 years postdoctoral training (ii) outstanding research training with previous experience and research interests relevant to adrenocortical cell and molecular biology, (iii) expertise in mammalian cell culture and steroid quantifications using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, (iv) a well-defined research direction and record of high-quality publications that is commensurate with the level of training, (v) high-level communication skills and teaching abilities (e.g. knowledge of subject matter, skill in presentation, enthusiastic approach).

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.