Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

The Michigan State University Department of Energy Plant Reseach Lab (MSU DOE-PRL) for a Postdoctoral Associate in research on plant endomembranes July 1, 2026.

The postdoctoral associate will work under the guidance of Professor Federica Brandizzi, Hannah Distinguished Professor. The Brandizzi laboratory addresses fundamental questions in plant endomembrane biology, with a focus on how secretory organelles establish and maintain their function and morphology during growth and stress. These studies aim to enable the translation of fundamental discoveries to crop improvement. The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.

The primary responsibility of this position is to conduct research on the biology of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) using multidisciplinary approaches, including proteomics, biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, genomics, and advanced live-cell imaging. Our research focuses on identifying and characterizing proteins required for ER functional homeostasis. In particular, we study the unfolded protein response (UPR), a conserved signaling pathway activated by the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER.

The postdoctoral associate will participate in multiple research projects investigating the plant UPR using the model organism Arabidopsis thaliana. Responsibilities include designing and performing experiments, analyzing data, contributing to manuscript and grant preparation, and mentoring and training laboratory personnel. Additional training and professional development opportunities aligned with the postdoctoral associate’s career goals will be available through the MSU Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. (https://postdocs.msu.edu/).

This is a full-time in-person position available for up to one year renewable depending on availability of funds and mutual performance satisfaction.

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 -Doctorate -PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, or similar science degree.

Minimum Requirements

PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology, or similar science degree. 

• PhD in hand or expected prior to starting date of July 1, 2026.
• Previous training in interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary facilitation and scholarship
• Experience with the biology of endomembranes
• Previous research on plant cell and stress biology
• Publication track record in inter- and trans-disciplinary scholarship
• Strong skills in qualitative data collection and analysis
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including journal articles, professional presentations, workshop facilitation, and large-team deliberative process

Desired Qualifications

• Project management experience
• Experience with projects from inception to completion
• Curiosity about pluralistic perspectives
• Patience and creativity in problem-solving settings
• Knowledge about or experience with complex social-ecological problem-solving across contexts

Required Application Materials

Please include (1) a cover letter explaining how this position aligns with your career goals, with a detailed discussion of your experience; (2) a complete CV; (3) statement of research goals summarizing your research interests and experience to date; and (4) names and contact information for three references. 

Review of Applications Begins On

04/20/2026

Website

https://prl.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.