Job Title
Research Area Specialist Lead
Job ID
278836
Location
Ann Arbor Campus
City
Ann Arbor
State
MI
Regular/Temporary
Regular
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Mode of Work
Hybrid
Job Title
Research Area Specialist Lead
Appointing Department
MM Pediatrics-Hematology Oncol
Posting Begin Date
06/17/2026
Posting End Date
07/01/2026
Date Closed
 
FLSA Status
Exempt

Responsibilities*

 
  • Scientific Leadership and Program Oversight: Lead the development, implementation, and day-to-day operations of the laboratory?s liquid biopsy research program focused on biomarker discovery and clinical translation for pediatric diffuse midline glioma (DMG). In partnership with the PI (Dr. Koschmann), coordinate scientific priorities, establish research goals, oversee timelines and deliverables, and manage multi-phase translational studies involving CSF and plasma cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) analyses across institutional and multi-site clinical trial efforts.
  • Research Design, Experimental Execution, and Data Analysis: Independently design, supervise, and interpret complex translational biomarker experiments, including molecular assay development, analytical validation, and longitudinal therapeutic monitoring studies. Oversee analysis and integration of liquid biopsy data, evaluate assay performance, and contribute to development of computational/statistical approaches for biomarker interpretation and clinical implementation.
  • Grant, Manuscript, and Scientific Communication: Prepare significant portions of grant applications, progress reports, manuscripts, and scientific presentations. Co-author publications and present findings at institutional, national, and international meetings related to pediatric neuro-oncology and liquid biopsy biomarker development.
  • Personnel Supervision, Training, and Laboratory Operations: Provide functional and administrative supervision of research personnel, trainees, and laboratory staff engaged in liquid biopsy studies. Ensure compliance with laboratory protocols, quality assurance standards, biospecimen handling procedures, and operational goals of the research program.

Required Qualifications*

 
  • Bachelor?s Degree required. 6+ years of related experience, i.e., published in a field of specialty and academic knowledge inPediatric Brain Tumor research
  • Doctoral Degree in field of expertise or Master?s Degree and equivalent experience preferred

Modes of Work

 

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.

Background Screening

 

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.

Application Deadline

 

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 any time after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

 

The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.