Position Summary
The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife invites applications from outstanding candidates for a Research Associate in the area of fish-pathogenic flavobacteria, as well as fish health and disease. This position is located in East Lansing, MI, on Michigan State University’s campus, in the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory (MSU-AAHL). The selectee will conduct research on flavobacterial fish pathogens, as well as research on a range of microbial pathogens affecting Great Lakes fishes, using a combination of clinical, in vitro (flavo)bacteriological culture methods, in vivo experiments, and molecular biological techniques (especially loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays).
The selected applicant will study and investigate flavobacterial fish pathogens and other important microbial pathogens of Great Lakes fishes. A component of the position will involve ongoing collaborative fish health research between the MSU-AAHL and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division. Some important objectives in this position include: 1) developing, testing, and implementing newly developed methods for preventing and controlling flavobacterial fish pathogens affecting cultured fishes; 2) pathogen detection/characterization, particularly those affecting fish species found in the Great Lakes region; 3) collaborations in designing and implementing hypothesis-based research projects; 4) outreach and collaboration with state agency, field, and hatchery fisheries professionals; 5) data analysis, interpretation, and writing/submission of scientific proposals and manuscripts; and 6) joining and integrating with the MSU-AAHL team. There are multiple ongoing research programs in the lab that tie in with this position and will provide an opportunity for additional collaboration. The candidate will also have the opportunity to develop new projects that complement ongoing research, assist in the mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students in the lab, and interact with an international network of collaborators. The applicant will have access to fully developed fish health and disease laboratory space.
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 -Fish-pathogenic flavobacteria and fish health
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must have a Ph.D. in Fish Health/Disease with a focus on fish-pathogenic flavobacteria, and research experience in fish health or related fields. The candidate must have strong experience with molecular assay development and optimization, in vitro bacterial culture (especially bacteria within the Family Flavobacteriaceae), identification and characterization of fish-pathogenic microbes, in vivo challenge models with aquatic animals, and molecular biological techniques (particularly loop-mediated isothermal amplification assays).
Desired Qualifications
Experience with molecular assay development/optimization/validation, clinical examination of finfish, and molecular sero-characterization of flavobacteria is highly desirable. Likewise, experience interacting with fishery management agency personnel and aquaculture producers as it relates to fish health is desirable.
Required Application Materials
Please submit a cover letter, CV and three names and contact information of references.
Special Instructions
Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: Dr. Thomas Loch, Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, lochthom@msu.edu.
Website
https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/
Department Statement
The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is a vibrant community of scholars comprising 40 core faculty (tenure stream and fixed-term faculty, and academic specialists), 80 graduate and 240 undergraduate students, and 30 research associates. Our Mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education and engagement. We are committed to the integrative nature of natural resources conservation and management, with our expertise ranging from disciplinary areas with a long-standing history in the domain of fisheries and wildlife to those emerging more recently. For more information about the Department, please visit our website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/.
The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of 500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support and other types of support for balancing work and personal lives at MSU can be found at http://worklife.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.
