 Computational Biologist Role at the University of Michigan USA
Are you seeking a high-impact Computational Biologist role that combines bioinformatics, machine learning, and critical care research? This job opportunity for life science graduates at the University of Michigan offers a cutting-edge bioinformatics job in the USA, focused on translational and preclinical research in critical illness, trauma, and emergency medicine.
About the University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a globally recognized leader in medical research, education, and innovation. Its Medical School and Michigan Medicine health system are at the forefront of translational and clinical research. A Computational Biologist role at the University of Michigan offers access to world-class resources, collaborative research environments, and impactful bioinformatics jobs that advance human health worldwide.
Job Details:
- Job Title: Computational Biologist
- Job Opening ID: 274129
- Job Title: Bioinformatics / Computational Biologist (Intermediate)
- Working Title: Computational Biologist
- Location: Ann Arbor Campus, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Organizational Group: Medical School
- Department: MM Emergency Medicine – Critical Care
- Career Interest: Research
- Work Arrangement: On-site
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Regular
- FLSA Status: Exempt
Position Summary
The Department of Emergency Medicine seeks a Computational Biologist / Bioinformatics Specialist to join the Max Harry Weil Institute for Critical Care Research and Innovation within its preclinical Critical Care Laboratory. This role supports multidisciplinary investigations focused on the mechanisms, monitoring, progression, and treatment of critical illness and injury, including hemorrhagic shock, sudden cardiac arrest, traumatic brain injury, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
The Computational Biologist independently designs, implements, and validates novel bioinformatics and computational analysis approaches for complex preclinical, translational, and clinically relevant datasets. The position supports multiple newly funded research grants and plays a central role in analytical strategy, experimental design consultation, and development of reproducible analysis pipelines.
The role collaborates closely with preclinical investigators, faculty, laboratory leadership, and research staff, while exercising independence in methodological and analytical decision-making.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead complex computational analyses supporting multiple funded research projects
- Process, align, and analyze time-series and longitudinal data from preclinical studies
- Develop and implement custom computational models and analytical workflows
- Perform data cleaning, feature extraction, statistical analysis, and post-processing of large, multimodal datasets
- Apply and evaluate machine learning and predictive modeling approaches in collaboration with faculty and research partners
- Advise on analytical strategies, experimental design, and statistical rigor
- Support experimental studies through study planning, protocol development, data collection, and quality control of physiological and imaging data
- Participate in preclinical experiments as needed to ensure appropriate data acquisition, annotation, and integration
- Review scientific literature and assess emerging computational tools
- Contribute to best practices in data management, reproducibility, and analytical transparency
- Communicate findings effectively within interdisciplinary research teams
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific or quantitative discipline
- At least one year of experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, or data-intensive research
- Experience with data analysis and computational methods, including:
- Statistical modeling
- Applied machine learning techniques
- Management of structured research datasets
- Familiarity with preclinical research environments, including collaboration with animal research teams
- Experience with large animal research
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing multiple concurrent projects
- Strong organizational, multitasking, written, and verbal communication skills
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced training or equivalent experience in computational biology, bioinformatics, biomedical engineering, or a related field
- Two to three years of experience supporting preclinical or translational research
- Experience managing complex datasets (e.g., structured databases, shared analysis environments, or data warehousing)
- Experience contributing to literature reviews, manuscripts, and grant applications
- Strong time-management skills and the ability to work independently in a collaborative academic setting
- Demonstrated interest in developing new analytical, computational, and experimental skills
Work Schedule
Full-time, Monday through Friday. The schedule may vary and require occasional evening, night, or weekend work depending on study requirements.
Modes of Work
Eligibility for hybrid or remote work is determined by the hiring department. Work arrangements are reviewed annually and may change at any time based on organizational needs.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing upon acceptance of a contingent job offer. Screening is performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and applies to all selected candidates.
Application Deadline of Computational Biologist Job
Positions are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. Review and selection may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. The position may be filled at any time following the minimum posting period.
