Human Resources

Job Description Summary

The Translational Health Engineering Research Center (THERC) at Michigan Technological University in West Michigan seeks to create, expand and accelerate research activities that improve the health of Michiganders. This will be accomplished by establishing a nationally visible research hub, promoting on- and off-campus collaborations with industry, researchers, and clinicians, and creating an environment that enhances external funding. THERC will be part of Michigan Tech’s Health Research Institute (HRI) that is comprised of 59 members from 14 academic departments across campus. We are a thriving, cooperative research community that sponsors activities to improve community health, graduate fellowship programs, a faculty mentoring program, and several social and networking events throughout the academic year.

HRI is seeking a Senior Scientist or Engineer to be Director of THERC and join our interdisciplinary organization. The Director of THERC will lead the growth of the center through the hiring and mentoring of active researchers. In addition to directing the center, we seek an exceptional researcher who is willing to build new collaborations, drive innovation, and lead an externally funded research program. Affiliation with academic departments is available to qualified candidates. Priority will be given to those in health-related computational research areas including, but not limited to bioinformatics, data analytics, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and medical image processing. The ideal candidate is a self-starting, driven researcher with a desire to lead a world-class research center and develop a sustainable research program that includes contributing expertise to other labs at Michigan Tech and those located in Western Michigan.

Michigan Tech was Founded in 1885 and is a leading public research institution. With more than $100 million in total research expenditures and 18 research centers and institutes. The University fosters a world-class and diverse faculty, staff, and student population and is home to more than 7,200 students from 69 countries around the world. The successful candidate will be committed to promoting a sense of belonging and contributing to an inclusive environment throughout the college and university. Located in Houghton, in the heart of Upper Michigan's scenic Keweenaw Peninsula, the MTU's main campus is just a few miles from Lake Superior. The surrounding area is ideal for enjoying outdoor activities throughout the year.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

• Develop a highly active, externally funded research program that will establish THERC as the flagship center of Michigan Tech in Western Michigan
• Collaborate with HRI and Michigan State University members, as well as other Western Michigan healthcare entities, like Corewell Health and Helen DeVos Children Hospital, to develop, grow, and execute new research projects and initiatives.
• In collaboration with HRI, staff THERC and provide management oversight and leadership.
• Maintain a safe, compliant office and laboratory environment.
• Participate in HRI and inter-institute meetings, events, and conferences, including travel to Michigan Tech’s main campus in Houghton, MI
• Possess an ability to identify issues within teams, and resolve them in a compliant, tactful manner.
• Some travel may be required.
• Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work. Actively engage in University continuous improvement initiatives.
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.
• Other duties as assigned. 
• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements)

• M.D. or Ph.D. degree in human health related field, including but not limited to biology, biomedical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, cognitive sciences, computing, kinesiology, mathematics, physiology, or related field.
• Must be qualified to be a PI on a federal research grant

Required Experience (minimum requirements)

• Experience in obtaining and managing federal grants and contracts
• Excellent record of research output, including publications and presentations
• Experience leading interdisciplinary, diverse teams of researchers and students

Desirable Education and/or Experience

• Experience as a director or administrator of a research center
• Experience working in a soft-funded position.
• Experience working with federal grant management platforms, such as NIH ASSIST, FastLane, or Research.gov.
• Experience acquiring funding from foundations, industry, and other non- federal sources.
• Prior interaction with institutional review boards such as IRB or IACUC.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements)

• Demonstrated organizational ability and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to lead and participate in team projects
• Demonstrated ability in translating scientific research products into non- technical language
• Apply safety-related knowledge, skills, and practices to everyday work.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities

• Demonstrate an ability to communicate research to a wide audience, including fellow researchers in other disciplines, the public, University administration, students, and practitioners.
• Demonstrated success in, or potential future contributions to, working with persons from diverse backgrounds, creating a sense of belonging, and fostering a fair, objective, welcoming place to work for persons with a wide variety of personal characteristics and viewpoints.

Benefits

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 4 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training:

• Employee Safety Overview

• Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training

• Annual Data Security 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.

Other Conditions of Employment:

The successful applicant will be responsible for ensuring eligibility for employment in the United States on or before the effective date of the appointment. Visa sponsorship is unavailable at this time. This is not an E-Verified Position.

Pay Rate/Salary

negotiable based on experience

Title of Position Supervisor

Director, Health Research Institute

Dependent on Funding

Additional Information

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.  

If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or accommodations during Michigan Tech’s hiring process please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or hr-help@mtu.edu.