Position Summary
An Academic Research Specialist position is available in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology to work in the laboratory of Dr. Wei Wang. The position is available starting immediately. The main project is to investigate how WHIM mutations affect papillomavirus copy number and contribute to HPV pathogenesis. Another project will dissect how K17 expression is upregulated in HPV+ head and neck cancer and what factors are regulated by K17 to regulate immune microenvironment in head and neck cancer models.
The applicant must have a PhD in the area of microbiology/immunology/molecular biology or a related field and have a strong background in immunology. Strong quantitative and communication skills are required. The applicant is expected to design and conduct experiments independently and clearly document results for use in presentations, manuscripts and grants. Previous experience working with animal models and flow cytometry is required. Next generation sequencing data analysis skills are desired.
This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position with reappointment contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding.
As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.
Professional Misconduct Review
A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.
The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.
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
Terminal - Microbiology, immunology, molecular biology or a related field.
Minimum Requirements
Strong quantitative and communication skills are required. Previous experience working with animal models and flow cytometry is required.
Desired Qualifications
A PhD with at least four years of postdoctoral experience. Next generation sequencing data analysis skills are desired.
Required Application Materials
Please submit a cover letter, CV, and the contact information for three references.
Review of Applications Begins On
08/17/2026
Summary of Health Risks
Some duties in this position may include the following exposure to health risks:
- Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions.
- Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.
- Paraformaldehyde, TEMED, beta-mercaptoethonal
Website
https://mgi.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.
