Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

The Kravchenko Lab in the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct research focused on root characteristics of plants in annual and perennial cropping and native vegetation systems and their contribution as drivers of processes of soil carbon sequestration.

The experimental component of the position will involve field soil and root sample collections from multiple experimental sites aimed at better understanding how different plant systems contribute to soil carbon accrual and weather variations in weather patterns (such as droughts and deluges) might influence it. . The project involves 13C plant labeling, root structure analysis, and X-ray computed micro-tomography. 

Job Duties:

1. Travel to experimental sites as needed for deep core soil sampling.
2. Analyses of root scans and measurements of soil properties.
3. X-ray computed tomography scanning of soil samples and image analyses.
4. Analyses of the collected data.
5. Publication results in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at national/international conferences. 

Starting date is September 2026 or as soon as possible after that. The position is for one year with a possibility of a renewal contingent upon funding and satisfactory performance. 

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 -Soil Science or Ecology/Biology with interest in Soil Science or Related

Minimum Requirements

• Ph. D. in Soil Science or Ecology/Biology with interest in Soil Science.
• In-depth knowledge of soil science and plant-soil interactions and advanced experience with X-ray computed tomography applications in soil science.
• A track record of publication in quality peer-review journals.

Desired Qualifications

Demonstrated creativity, independence, and excellent communication skills, both written and oral. 

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter
• Resume/CV
• Name and contact information for Three (3) professional references
• An example of scientific work published in a peer-reviewed journal
• (Optional) Transcripts(unofficial) from past academic studies

Special Instructions

Applications should include  a single pdf file that includes: 1) a cover letter (1-2 pages) highlighting how past experience and academic training align with the position, 2) a curriculum vitae including a list of all peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations, 3) an example of scientific work published in a peer-reviewed journal, and 4) (optional) transcripts (unofficial) from the past academic studies.

Inquiries regarding position can be sent to Dr. Alexandra Kravchenko (kravche1@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

07/13/2026

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.