Position Summary

The Department of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University invites applications from Ornithologists for a full-time, 9-month, fixed-term Assistant Professor position with a 50% research and 50% teaching assignment. The position start date is anticipated to be August 16, 2025. The initial appointment is for two years, with the expectation of extension contingent upon satisfactory performance and continued funding.

The selected candidate will play a key role in (a) delivering upper-level courses in genetics and ornithology, alongside a dedicated team of faculty and graduate teaching assistants, and (b) establishing an independent or collaborative research program with other faculty members in areas related to ornithology, genetics, molecular and cellular biology, neuroscience, and/or sensory physiology. There will be a preference for candidates who will bring in molecular-genetic expertise to bolster the research tools in the Department of Integrative Biology. The successful candidate will have access to independent lab space, and the department is home to a variety of ornithology and molecular biology labs with state-of-the-art equipment. Furthermore, there will be potential for the candidate to conduct field studies at the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS; https://www.kbs.msu.edu/research/),  the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Corey Marsh, and other sites.

Core Courses Overview:

• IBIO 341: Fundamental Genetics: Covers prokaryotic and eukaryotic genetics, genome biology, population and evolutionary genetics, and modern biotechnologies and genomics applications.
• IBIO 360: Biology of Birds: Behavior, ecology, evolution, and systematics of birds; biodiversity. Laboratories emphasize diversity of form and function, life history patterns, and identification.

The new faculty will strengthen the core mission of the MSU IBIO Department to advance understanding of the function, stability, resilience, and adaptation of complex biological systems via research, teaching, and service. We use cutting-edge tools to address important questions about genetics, genomics, development, physiology, behavior, ecology, and evolution in a wide array of species and model systems, over temporal and spatial scales. The department includes more than 30 faculty members and strong graduate and undergraduate programs. Many faculty members are also affiliated with the MSU Ecology, Evolution and Behavior Program (https://eeb.msu.edu/), the MSU BioMolecular Science Program (https://biomolecular.natsci.msu.edu/), and numerous other cross-college units and interdisciplinary graduate programs. MSU IBIO is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace that enriches our learning environment and innovative research and seek colleagues driven by the same motivation.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Biology or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in biology or a related field by start date.
• Graduate or post-doctoral research experience in ornithology with a specialization in genetics, molecular biology, neuroscience, physiology, evolutionary biology, or a similar sub-discipline.
• Evidence of a plan for future research.
• Experience teaching and/or mentoring undergraduates.
• Dedication to professional development.
• Commitment to fostering student success and inclusivity in a diverse learning environment.
• Evidence of collaboration in research and/or teaching.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated excellence in research as documented by publications, conference presentations, and/or success in securing external funding.
• Application of molecular genetic techniques in prior and proposed research programs.
• Experience in upper-level undergraduate teaching, instructional technology, and online learning.
• Experience in student learning assessment.
• Experience in handling large classes.
• Proficiency in student-centered, active, and inquiry-based learning methodologies.
• Demonstrate a willingness to integrate and collaborate with the existing research programs in the department.
• Engagement in collaborative instruction, such as co-instruction, group curriculum, or assessment design projects.

Required Application Materials

Applicants are to submit the following documents in a single PDF:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Cover Letter (max. 1 page) detailing your interest and suitability for the position, and any other relevant information that is not included in the statements below.
• Research Statement (max. 2 pages) explaining your past research accomplishments, and your short-term (~2-5 years) research goals, including a plan as to how you will include undergraduate students in your research and continue your professional development.
• Teaching Statement (max. 2 pages) including (1) how your previous experiences will inform your instruction in the assigned courses and (2) how you will utilize student-centered teaching methods as a course instructor and as a research mentor.
• DEI Statement (1 page) summarizing your past or intended contributions to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in teaching and research, including potential growth opportunities.

Contact information for three professional references (references will be contacted during the screening process).

Special Instructions

For inquiries regarding the position or any accommodation requests, please contact Jim Moran, Associate Professor of Integrative Biology and Chair of the Search Committee at moranja7@msu.edu.

Review of Applications Begins On

12/18/2024

Website

https://integrativebiology.natsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.