Research Fellow at Michigan Medicine | Life Sciences | Apply Now
Securing a Research Fellow position at Michigan Medicine is a high-impact milestone for postdoctoral scientists aiming to master the future of structural biology. In 2026, the laboratory of Dr. Jay Brito Querido in the Department of Biological Chemistry is recruiting a talented researcher to lead investigations into mRNA translation initiation. This Life Science Job offers a rare opportunity to use world-class cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to visualize the molecular machinery of apicomplexan parasites, providing a foundational step toward a prestigious career at the University of Michigan.
- Job Opening ID: 275887
- Job Position: Research Fellow
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
About The Organisation
The University of Michigan Medical School is a cornerstone of the university’s prestige. It is part of Michigan Medicine, a massive healthcare complex that integrates patient care with groundbreaking discoveries. By joining this Life Science Job, you gain access to high-level core facilities, including the Mouse Metabolic Phenotyping Core and the Michigan Diabetes Research Center, which provide specialized tools for metabolic and physiological studies.
About the Lab
The Brito Querido Lab sits at the intersection of biochemistry and high-resolution imaging. The research focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of how cells initiate protein synthesis—a process critical to both healthy cell function and the survival of infectious pathogens. The lab investigates the regulation of mRNA translation initiation, specifically targeting apicomplexan parasites (the group responsible for diseases like malaria and toxoplasmosis). By visualizing these processes at near-atomic resolution, the team aims to identify unique “weak points” in the parasite’s life cycle that could be targeted with next-generation therapeutics. Located within the University of Michigan Medical School, the lab is part of a highly collaborative community of basic science departments and the Life Sciences Institute.
Key Responsibilities of a Research Fellow
In this Research Fellow role, you will be expected to move beyond simple data collection, acting as a project lead and technical innovator.
Advanced Structural Discovery
- Project Leadership: Lead independent research efforts focused on understanding the mechanism of mRNA translation in apicomplexan parasites.
- Cryo-EM & Cryo-ET: Apply single-particle cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to dissect complex molecular assemblies.
- Biochemical Dissection: Utilize biochemical approaches to complement structural findings, ensuring a functional understanding of protein-RNA interactions.
- Instrumentation Mastery: Gain direct access to state-of-the-art tools, including the Titan Krios G4i, the Aquilos 2 cryo-FIB, and the Stellaris 5 Cryo-Confocal Microscope.
Collaboration and Scholarship
- Scholarly Contribution: Participate in the preparation of research publications and represent the lab at international seminars and conferences.
- Mentorship: Assist in the training of lab members and students, fostering a growth-oriented environment.
- Strategic Planning: Contribute to the direction of your own project and provide scientific insight into other ongoing work in the group.
Qualifications and Requirements For Research Fellow
This Life Science Job requires a high degree of motivation and a proven track record of academic excellence in the biological sciences.
- Education: A PhD in Biological Sciences or a closely related field.
- Research Experience: At least 2-3 years of laboratory research experience, ideally with a background in biochemistry or structural biology.
- Technical Agility: The ability to work with limited supervision to identify and implement a broad range of techniques to achieve project goals.
- Team Mindset: A commitment to working productively in a team environment with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Flexibility: While the role follows standard research hours, some evening and weekend work may be required to accommodate complex experiments or microscope sessions.
In summary, this Research Fellow position in the Brito Querido Lab is an elite Life Science Job for structural biologists who want to master cryo-ET and cryo-EM in a mission-driven environment. By launching your University of Michigan career in 2026, you gain access to the most advanced imaging technology in the world and a benefit structure that prioritizes your long-term well-being. Whether you are aiming for a future in academia or the biotech industry, the expertise you build here—visualizing the mechanisms of parasitic translation—will position you at the vanguard of modern drug discovery.
