Position Summary
The Wang Laboratory at Michigan State University is seeking a highly motivated and technically accomplished Postdoctoral Scholar to drive cutting-edge research in soybean genetics and genomics. The successful candidate will apply multi-omics approaches, causal variant discovery, and molecular breeding tools to advance understanding of seed compositional traits, yield, and host plant resistance in soybean. This is a full-time position embedded in one of the nation's premier soybean genetics programs, offering opportunities for collaborative research, grant co-development, and scientific leadership.
Job Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
Genomics & Multi-Omics Research
- Design and execute large-scale genomics studies using GWAS, QTL mapping, and pedigree-based analyses to identify causal variants underlying soybean seed quality, oil, protein, and yield traits
- Identify and characterize structural genomic variants — including large deletions, CNVs, and transposable element insertions — associated with target traits
- Integrate multi-omics data — including genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and metabolomics — to elucidate molecular mechanisms controlling agronomic traits
- Conduct population genetics analyses to identify breeding signatures and domestication events across diverse soybean germplasm
Molecular Breeding & Marker Development
- Develop and validate high-throughput molecular markers for use in marker-assisted selection and genotyping pipelines
- Collaborate with the breeding program to integrate research findings into selection tools for seed composition and disease resistance improvement
Bioinformatics & Data Analysis
- Develop and implement bioinformatics pipelines for processing and interpreting next-generation sequencing datasets
- Apply Python and R programming for statistical modeling, data visualization, and integration of large-scale genomics datasets
- Participate in the design of strategic data acquisition plans to support ongoing and future research programs
Collaboration, Dissemination & Funding
- Publish original research in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at national and international conferences
- Contribute to grant writing and proposal development in support of extramurally funded research programs
- Mentor graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in genomics methods and data analysis
- Collaborate with academic, public sector, and industry partners including commodity boards and federal agencies
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.
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
Doctorate -Plant Genetics, Plant Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field
Minimum Requirements
- Ph.D. in Plant Genetics, Plant Genomics, Molecular Biology, or a closely related field
- Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral or research scientist experience in plant genomics, with demonstrated expertise in soybean or a closely related legume crop
- Proven track record of identifying causal variants and QTLs underlying complex agronomic traits using GWAS, linkage mapping, and/or transcriptome-based approaches
- Deep expertise in multi-omics analysis including RNA-seq, epigenomics (DNA methylation), population genomics, and/or metabolomics
- Proficiency in bioinformatics and quantitative analysis using Python and/or R, including development of reproducible analysis pipelines
- Demonstrated ability to develop molecular markers for high-throughput genotyping platforms
- Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, with first-author papers in high-impact plant science outlets
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience preparing manuscripts, grant applications, and scientific presentations
Desired Qualifications
- Direct experience with soybean seed compositional traits — including protein, oil, fatty acid, and amino acid content — at the molecular and genomic levels
- Familiarity with soybean breeding history of North American germplasm, including landraces, and elite breeding lines
- Experience with genome editing approaches (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) and trait delivery pipelines
- Experience with structural genomics, including characterization of large-scale chromosomal rearrangements, deletions, and transposable element dynamics
- Familiarity with epigenetic mechanisms — including DNA methylation, and siRNA-mediated regulation — and their roles in gene expression and trait variation
- Experience contributing to patent applications and/or invention disclosures
- Prior experience collaborating with USDA-ARS, commodity boards (e.g., United Soybean Board), or other publicly-funded agricultural research programs
- Experience organizing or participating in scientific workshops, symposia, or professional society activities
Required Application Materials
Resume/CV
Cover Letter
Special Instructions
Inquiries regarding the position should be address to Dr Dechun Wang (wangdech@msu.edu)
Review of Applications Begins On
09/02/2026
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.
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.
