Careers @ MSU

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. 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.  The successful candidate must have an ability to work cooperatively in an environment that values and expects collegiality.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Applying and then evaluating registered fungicides and biorational products for efficacy against important pathogens affecting a range of vegetable and ornamental host including but not limited to cucurbits, tomatoes, peppers, asparagus, carrots, onions, herbs, ginseng, and greenhouse ornamental crops including geranium, petunia, poinsettia, perennials. 
• Work with the PI to design trials, make treatment applications, collect and analyze project data, prepare technical reports and manuscripts, and engage in extension activities to educate industry stakeholders on research progress and highlights.
• Performing experiments independently in the lab and conducting greenhouse and research work under sometimes physically challenging conditions
• Screening cultivars to discern differences in susceptibility as part of an integrated management approach.
• Compiling and analyzing data and summarizing results for grant reports, manuscripts, extension articles, scientific publications, and PowerPoint presentations 
• Training technicians and students in molecular techniques.
• Mentor graduate students and supervise undergraduate students.
• Evaluating the impact of production practices and the environment
• Laboratory activities including microscopy, pathogen isolation and propagation, molecular testing, assay development, and maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.

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, Agronomy, or agriculture-related field

Minimum Requirements

•  Ph.D. in Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or agriculture-related field completed on or before hire date
• A Michigan commercial pesticide license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire

Desired Qualifications

•  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 qPCR.

Required Application Materials

CV

Cover Letter

Name and contact Information for Three (3) professional references 

Special Instructions

Inquiries about position should be direct to Dr. Mary Hausbeck (hausbec1@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

02/04/2026

Summary of Physical Demands

Lifting up to 50lb of the following from floor/waist height 

• Bags of seed to fill planter
• Equipment parts 
• Chemical Jugs for ill sprayer

Carrying up to 50lb of the following a distance of 60 feet

• Bags of seed to fill planter
• Equipment parts 
• Chemical Jugs for ill sprayer

Summary of Health Risks

• Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).
• Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.
• Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas.
• Risks that have been identified by Environmental Health and Safety, such as exposure to lead, chemotherapy, formaldehyde, asbestos
• • Handling of pesticides

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.