Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

The Holzhausen Lab in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at Michigan State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to lead analyses of the early life gut microbiome, vertical microbiome transmission, and maternal-infant health. The successful candidate will work with longitudinal multi-omics data including microbial, clinical, and environmental exposure data, to investigate gut microbiome development and its implications for child health. Key responsibilities include designing and conducting rigorous statistical and bioinformatic analyses, developing reproducible workflows, interpreting results, and serving as lead author on scientific manuscripts. The position provides opportunities to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team and gain experience in advanced data analytic methods, cutting-edge single- and multi-omics data analysis, study design, manuscript writing, and early-career grant development (e.g., F or K awards). This full-time position is based in Grand Rapids, MI, with a minimum term of one year and the expectation of renewal.

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 -Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, Environmental Health Sciences, or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Strong quantitative and statistical skills, including proficiency in at least one programming language (R preferred).
• Demonstrated experience analyzing biological, epidemiologic, or microbiome-related datasets using appropriate statistical or computational methods.
• Peer-reviewed publication record commensurate with career stage.
• Strong scientific writing and communication skills, including experience preparing manuscripts, reports, or presentations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary research team and manage multiple projects concurrently.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience with omics data pipelines and analysis (e.g., microbiome, metabolome, or other large, complex datasets).
• Familiarity with advanced statistical or computational methods (e.g., mixed-effects models, mediation analyses, machine learning, or strain-level microbiome tools).
• A publication record demonstrating expertise in microbiome, early life, environmental health, or related scientific domains.

Required Application Materials

For full consideration, please submit the following documents:

• A cover letter describing research experience, interests, and fit for the position.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Contact information for 2-3 professional references (name, position and affiliation, phone number, and email address).
• Up to 3 research products (e.g., publications, preprints, abstracts, or other examples of scientific writing).

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

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.