The Life Sciences Institute (LSI) is a hub for collaborative bioscience discovery at the University of Michigan (U-M), bringing together world-class scientists with expertise across disciplines to explore the most fundamental biological and chemical processes of life.  

Along with our faculty labs, the LSI is home to cutting-edge resources (cores) specializing in structural biology, natural products science, and drug discovery research, including the Center for Chemical Genomics (CCG), Natural Products Discovery Core (NPDC), Center for Structural Biology (CBS) and Cryo-Electron Microscopy Facility (Cryo-EM). These state-of-the-art resources are available to scientists across U-M’s broad research enterprise, as well as external collaborators, to progress basic biology research and the development of novel therapeutics. 

To foster collaborative relationships between LSI scientists and external researchers using the LSI's cores, we are offering a six- to twelve-month sabbatical opportunity for external (non-U-M) applicants (Visiting Collaborator) to access and utilize our unique resources. We will allocate up to $100,000 to be used as credit within the respective LSI core(s) in support of the LSI scientist's and Visiting Collaborator’s research project. Any Visiting Collaborator from industry will need to pay for the costs of the use of the LSI core(s). Applicants may request office and research space, pending availability in the LSI. Please note: the LSI will not provide any salary or benefits coverage for the Visiting Collaborator during the sabbatical. 

Qualifications

Applicants must be from academic or research institutions (professorial ranks or equivalent thereof) or industry. International researchers are eligible to apply.

Application Instructions

Applicants will apply for this opportunity via Interfolio.

Applicants will complete a short form to identify the LSI scientist(s) they wish to collaborate with and the LSI core(s) they would like to access, along with additional information about the timing and resources requested for the proposed sabbatical. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the LSI scientist(s) and core(s) they would like to work with in advance of submitting an application. Applicants will also upload their current CV and a two-page summary proposal of the research to be conducted during the sabbatical period. 

Applications will be reviewed by an appointed LSI faculty subcommittee. If a sabbatical applicant is favorably reviewed, the applicant(s) will be invited to give a virtual “chalk talk” to the LSI faculty. Within one month following the chalk talk, a sabbatical applicant will be informed of the decision about acceptance as a Visiting Collaborator through communication from the LSI Director or their designee. Once approved, the Visiting Collaborator and their employer will be required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the obligations, risks, training, compliance, intellectual property sharing, attestation to LSI Statement of Community Values, and other applicable aspects of having access to the LSI building and resources.

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.