Research Scientist II

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc.; Atlantic Mine (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chronicle Of Higher Education, Inc. is seeking a Research Scientist II or III at Michigan Technological University. The role focuses on evaluating bioinformatics approaches and leading research programs in computational genomics.

Ideal candidates will have a Ph.D. in bioinformatics or a related field, excellent programming skills, and experience working in multidisciplinary teams. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to advancing research while engaging with diverse partners.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, or related field.
• Proven experience developing reproducible bioinformatics analysis pipelines.
• Successful track record in multidisciplinary teams with scholarly productivity.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and apply bioinformatics approaches to environmental data.
• Lead and contribute to the generation of proposals for research funding.
• Prepare and deliver reports or presentations of research results.

Skills

Strong programming skills in Python or R

Experience in bioinformatics analysis pipelines

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Education

Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, or similar

Tools

Samtools

GATK

Job description

Summary

The Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) at Michigan Technological University aims to advance freshwater and coastal ocean research as a foundation for health, economic prosperity and global sustainability through interdisciplinary research cutting across Michigan Tech’s academic programs. The GLRC includes collaborative faculty from twelve disciplines and seeks a Research Scientist II or III to fill a gap in computational genomics across campus.

Responsibilities and Essential Duties

1. Evaluate and apply bioinformatics approaches to environmental data.
2. Contribute technical expertise to sponsored research as both a project lead and team member.
3. Successfully grow a funded research program, to become self‑supporting in the future.
4. Prepare and deliver reports or presentations of research projects/analysis results to project sponsors as appropriate.
5. Lead and contribute to the generation of proposals and external funding.
6. Apply safety‑related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
7. Apply research security knowledge to data, facilities, and personnel.
8. Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work; actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
9. Apply safety‑related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures

• Ph.D. in bioinformatics, computational biology, biological sciences, or a similar related field.
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident with ability to obtain and maintain necessary government clearances and access.

Required Experience

• Experience developing reproducible bioinformatics analysis pipelines for environmental data.
• Successful track record of working in multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong record of scholarly productivity, including peer‑reviewed publications, technical reports, or other research outputs.

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Demonstrated leadership, project‑management, and mentoring experience in a research environment.
• Track record of successful major grant proposal authorship and execution.
• Rigorous graduate‑level coursework in one or more programming languages and statistical courses, particularly with environmental or ecological data.
• Industry experience in the areas of interest, or similar areas.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Strong programming skills with experience in one or more of the following programming languages/software: Python, R, metagenomic pipelines such as DADA2, basic handling of high‑throughput sequencing data such as Samtools, GATK, statistical analysis tools for genetic associations, including mixed‑model platforms, multivariate models, and Bayesian approaches.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse partners and represent the organization externally.
• Commitment to advancing Michigan Tech’s research mission and supporting a collaborative, inclusive research environment.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to translate research into applied outcomes, including technology development, policy engagement, or industry partnerships.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons with a wide variety of backgrounds and viewpoints.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands

The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

• Employee Safety Overview
• Annual Data Security Training
• Anti‑Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training
• Annual Title IX Training

Background Check

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

Additional Information

This position is contingent upon the continued availability of external funding.

Equal Opportunity Employment

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.