Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Research Associate-Fixed Term in East Lansing, Michigan
Position Summary
A Postdoctoral Research Associate position is available to conduct collaborative research at Michigan State University in the Case and Blackwood labs in the Department of Plant Biology. The research associate will work on an NSF-funded project, investigating interactions of closely related North American Lobelia species and mechanisms affecting co-existence within communities. Our collaborative research team is taking a wide variety of approaches, including manipulative greenhouse, common-garden studies, and range-wide characterization of species niches, traits, and phylogenetic history.
We are seeking an individual to collaborate on a range-wide common garden experiment, with replicate gardens in Florida, Indiana, and Michigan. An additional postdoc will be recruited to the project in the Delph lab at Indiana University. We will plant our study species and their hybrids in semi-natural outdoor settings inside and outside the center of species richness (the Atlantic Gulf). The MSU postdoc will help coordinate the set up and maintenance of all three common gardens over two seasons and help address questions related to species range limits, niche breadth, and trait variation. This position presents great opportunities to leverage existing resources, field sites, and datasets for additional projects of interest.
The position requires fieldwork for extended periods, sometimes in adverse conditions. The postdoctoral associate will also be responsible for writing publications and communicating effectively with other scientists, students, and the public.
MSU has a vibrant research community for postdocs, including many programs for professional development. Additional opportunities include writing grant proposals, outreach activities, and networking with MSU's large community of plant scientists, ecologists, and evolutionary biologists. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI, which has a very favorable cost-of-living.
This is a two-year position. Salary starts at $55,000 with medical benefits included. Start date is negotiable, preferably between 5/1/2024 and 9/1/2024.
The Case and Blackwood labs are committed to increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the scientific community. We therefore strongly encourage applications from candidates from historically excluded groups.
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 -Ecology, Evolutionary biology, plant biology
Minimum Requirements
(1) Ph.D. (Ecology, Evolutionary biology, plant biology, or a related field); (2) Record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals; (3) Evidence of working independently as well as collaboratively; (4) Evidence of skills in experimental design, statistical analysis; (5) Excellent communication skills; (6) Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment.
Desired Qualifications
(1) Experience with fieldwork, sometimes under adverse conditions, and ability to work from field sites for extended periods; (2) Expertise in plant organismal biology, including experience with plant cultivation; (3) Evidence of successful project management, research mentoring, and team leadership.
Required Application Materials
Cover letter describing previous experience and interest in this position, a CV, and contact information for three referees.
Special Instructions
Review of applications will begin on March 29^th^ and continue until filled.
Please feel free to email inquiries to Andrea Case, , or Chris Blackwood,
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