Position Summary

The Vegetable and Ornamental Pathology Program on the campus of Michigan State University located in East Lansing, Michigan, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the etiology, epidemiology, population genetics, and mitigation measures of fungal and oomycete pathogens causing disease of vegetables and greenhouse ornamentals. Duties include but are not limited to; coordinating with graduate students as needed and overseeing undergraduate students who may assist with these projects and compiling and analyzing data and summarizing results for grant reports, manuscripts, extension articles, scientific publications, and PowerPoint presentations. Work will also include performing experiments independently in the lab and conducting greenhouse and research work under sometimes physically challenging conditions.

MSU has a vibrant plant science community comprising of more than 150 faculty members conducting a wide range of plant research spanning the lab-to-field continuum in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. PSM is a multi-disciplinary department with faculty appointed in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR; http://www.canr.msu.edu/).

The successful candidate will work cooperatively with a team that includes the principal investigator (PI), research assistants, graduate and undergraduate students to test and develop new and improved disease management strategies

This full-time, 12-month research appointment is available immediately, will be initially for one year  and will be renewable depending upon satisfactory performance and the availability of additional funding. The salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits.

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 -Plant Pathology or related discipline

Minimum Requirements

 A doctorate in Plant Pathology or related discipline is required within 6 months of the date of hire

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with use of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to conduct species characterization and phylogeny of local, regional, and global populations, and in silico or in vivo assays to describe host-pathogen interactions.
• Demonstrated use of various diseased plant sampling techniques and capacity to develop molecular biology tools to rapidly diagnose and identify microorganisms causing diseases.
• Proven experience with molecular biology, field and greenhouse work, writing scientific publications and other technical reports, and preparing PowerPoint presentations for lay and scientific audiences. 
• An ability to work cooperatively in an environment that values and expects collegiality. 

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Names and contact information for Three(3) professional references 

Special Instructions

Contact Dr. Mary Hausbeck (hausbec1@msu.edu) for additional questions regarding position.

Review of Applications Begins On

02/28/2025

Summary of Physical Demands

• Lift and carry up to 50 lb. bags of fertilizer, seeds, and equipment parts.
• Walk through uneven field plots, potentially in inclement weather

Summary of Health Risks

• Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.
• Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/

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.