Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Vegetable and Ornamental Pathology Program on the campus of Michigan State University located in East Lansing, Michigan, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to develop control strategies to limit the destructive diseases incited by oomycete and fungal pathogens. The successful candidate will work cooperatively with a team that includes the principal investigator (PI), research assistants, graduate and undergraduate students to test and develop new and improved disease management strategies.

Candidate must have an ability to work cooperatively in an environment that values and expects collegiality. The successful candidate is expected to mentor graduate students and supervise undergraduate students. The position includes applying and then evaluating registered fungicides and biorational products for efficacy against important pathogens affecting a range of vegetable and ornamental host including but not limited to cucurbits, tomatoes, peppers, asparagus, carrots, onions, herbs, ginseng, and greenhouse ornamental crops including geranium, petunia, poinsettia, perennials. 

Responsibilities will also include screening cultivars to discern differences in susceptibility as part of an integrated management approach additional objectives could include evaluating the impact of production practices and environment. The incumbent will work with the PI to design trials, make treatment applications, collect and analyze project data, prepare technical reports and manuscripts, and engage in extension activities to educate industry stakeholders on research progress and highlights. 

This full-time, 12-month research appointment is available immediately, and renewable depending upon performance and the availability of additional funding. The salary is commensurate with experience and includes benefits. Applicants must possess a commercial pesticide license.

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 pathology, horticulture, agronomy, or related field

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. in plant pathology, horticulture, agronomy, or related field is required

A commercial pesticide license.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in pathogen identification, culture and storage is preferred along with a demonstrated ability to conduct greenhouse and field studies.

Experience with statistical methods and the use of statistical software packages is desirable as the candidate is expected to design and conduct statistically appropriate research using accepted statistical methods and software packages (SAS, R, Sigma Plot).

Practical experience in growing greenhouse and/or crops is desirable, but not required.

The candidate will assist in grant writing and must have demonstrated evidence of written skills.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter

CV/Resume

Name and Contact Information for Three(3) professional references 

Special Instructions

Contact Mary Hausbeck (hausbec1@msu.edu) for additional information about the position 

Review of Applications Begins On

08/26/2024

Summary of Health Risks

Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).

Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.

Work in noisy (at or above 85 decibels) areas. 

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.