For best consideration, please apply by March 1st. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Required Materials: Please submit the following as a single PDF document via the University of Michigan applicant management system (Job Opening ID: 273419):

1. Cover Letter (detailing research interests and career goals)
2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) including training, research strengths, and publications
3. Contact information for three professional references

Questions about the position should be directed to Erin Giles at eringile@umich.edu.

The Exercise Oncology Laboratory, led by Dr. Erin Giles in the School of Kinesiology, is seeking a highly motivated and creative Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our NIH/NCI-funded research program. Our interdisciplinary team investigates the biological mechanisms linking obesity to breast cancer and explores how lifestyle (exercise/nutrition) and pharmacological interventions can reduce cancer risk and progression.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of metabolism, immunology, and oncology within the world-class research ecosystem of the University of Michigan, including the Rogel Cancer Center and the Caswell Diabetes Institute.

The successful candidate will lead NIH-funded projects focused on obesity-associated adipose tissue inflammation and its role in breast cancer risk and progression.

Major approaches include:

• Preclinical studies using mouse and rat models of obesity-associated tumor development.
• Evaluation of lifestyle and pharmacological interventions.
• Advanced tissue and multi-omic molecular analysis (e.g., single-cell RNA-seq, transcriptomics, proteomics).

Research Leadership & Data Stewardship:

• Design, lead, and conduct rigorous research using animal models and/or cell culture systems.
• Perform advanced molecular and cellular biology techniques (IHC, flow cytometry, qPCR, RNA-seq, Western blotting, etc.)
• Data Management: Implement best practices for data organization, ensuring all experimental records, code, and datasets are meticulously documented, reproducible, and accessible.
• Analyze, interpret, and visualize complex datasets.
• Prepare high-quality manuscripts and present findings at national and international conferences.

Mentorship & Collaboration:

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a collaborative and inclusive lab environment.
• Engage in interdisciplinary collaborations across U-M (Nutrition, Rogel Cancer Center, Michigan Medicine).
• Contribute to lab management, including protocol development and training.

Professional Development:

• Develop and maintain a formal Individual Development Plan (IDP).
• Actively pursue independent research interests and apply for internal/external fellowship funding (e.g., F32, K99/R00)

Career Development & Advancement: 

We are committed to the professional growth of our postdocs. You will have access to:

• Structured Mentoring: Regular feedback and formal IDP reviews to ensure you meet your career milestones.
• Funding Support: Encouragement and guidance in applying for independent fellowships.
• Institutional Resources: Access to U-M's world-class seminars, NIH T32 training programs, and career development workshops.

• PhD in Biomedical Sciences (Cancer Biology, Immunology, Metabolism, Physiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field).
• Significant research experience in at least one relevant area: animal studies, tumor biology, obesity/metabolism, or immunology.
• Organizational excellence: Proven ability to manage complex projects with high attention to detail and rigorous data organization.
• Advanced proficiency with molecular and cellular techniques.
• Demonstrated scientific writing ability (published manuscripts, abstracts).
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; commitment to a team-oriented environment.
  
   

• Experience with single-cell genomics, advanced imaging, or bioinformatics.
• Proficiency in R / RStudio, Python, or similar software for data analysis, visualization, and reproducible reporting.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Why Join the Exercise Oncology Lab & University of Michigan?

• Impactful Science: Conduct research that directly translates to improving cancer outcomes.
• Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a multidisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art core facilities.
• Vibrant Location: Live and work in Ann Arbor-consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S.
• Competitive Compensation: Salary is competitive and commensurate with NIH postdoctoral rates.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks.  Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.