Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Abuelo Dairy Health Laboratory in the College of Veterinary Medicine seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for conducting bench and field-based research on dairy cattle.

The lab focuses on improving immune function in periparturient dairy cattle and neonatal calves. The methods employed to achieve these goals combine mechanistic studies using cells or tissues with epidemiological studies. The research is funded by federal and state agencies as well as industry.

The successful candidate will work primarily on a research project seeking to evaluate vaccination against Salmonella Dublin in pregnant cattle. Work will include handling of cattle in BSL2 barns, and sample collection and analysis using microbiological, molecular biology, and immunological techniques.

Duties for this position will include working on research projects, supervising students in the laboratory and the field, preparing manuscripts, and collaborating in grant proposal development in the area of cattle immunobiology. The successful candidate will dedicate the majority of their time to assigned research projects, at 75%, with a 10%-time commitment supervising students, laboratory oversight. The remaining 15% of the position will be devoted to assisting and preparing extramural grant applications and preparing manuscripts and scientific review papers.

The initial appointment is for one year, with further appointments contingent on funding and performance. 

Michigan State University is located on one of the nation's largest and most beautiful campuses. The University has a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and is home to a diverse international community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists, teachers and leaders. East Lansing's collegiate atmosphere is complimented by low cost of living with convenient access to neighboring cultural centers such as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Chicago. East Lansing and surrounding communities provide excellent public-school systems. In addition, Michigan, the Great Lakes State, with its numerous inland lakes and rivers, state and national parks, national lake shores, world-class golf courses, and four seasons offers a broad variety of outdoor recreational activities. Visit the Pure Michigan© website https://www.michigan.org/ for more details. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The mission of the college is to be inclusive as we learn, discover, heal and protect. We, as a college, aim to identify, attract, and retain talented students, faculty, and staff reflective of the diversity of the populations in our state, the nation, and the world. Our academic, scholarly, and service roles, considered separately and collectively, form the foundation of an inclusive culture that is committed to respecting, nurturing, and advancing all individuals. 

CVM Core Value of Diversity: We are committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunity and multiculturalism where all individuals are valued, respected, provided opportunity to flourish and open doors in their pursuit of excellence. We encourage and welcome our community to share ideas with us surrounding opportunities to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The College's vision is to be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service. Six goals, backed by specific strategies, guide our organization as we move forward. Read more at https://cvm.msu.edu/about/strategic-planning-2021-26 to learn about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine's goals, strategies and progress. 

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 -PhD or equivalent. Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or other science-related area

Minimum Requirements

• PhD (or equivalent) in Animal Science, Veterinary Medicine, or related field
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Driver's license

Desired Qualifications

• Highly self-motivated, excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Experience using statistical analysis software.
• Successful record of collaborative research projects and report/manuscript writing.
• Attention to detail is critical, the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, adhere to deadlines, maintain high ethical research standards, accept constructive criticism, and succeed in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience with microbiological and/or immunological laboratory techniques is a plus.
• Must be eager and willing to learn, ask questions, and make suggestions for how to improve the lab.

Required Application Materials

•  CV
•  Cover Letter detailing the applicant’s research interests and career development goals
•  Contact information for three (3) professional references

Special Instructions

You may contact Dr. Angel Abuelo (abuelo@msu.edu) if you have any questions. Applications from BIPOC and LGBTQ candidates are encouraged. The Abuelo Lab is committed to building a team that represents multiple backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The position is open until filled. Applications must be submitted electronically using the MSU online portal.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/20/2024

Summary of Physical Demands

• Physical work associated with handling cattle during experiments. Physical requirements of laboratory work. Be able to lift and move 60lbs. BSL2 Environment. 

Summary of Health Risks

• Work with animals and unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/lcs

Department Statement

The Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LCS) is educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and providing the finest clinical services available.

Our diverse faculty focuses on areas ranging from dairy, food animal, and specialized equine services to intensive research and student training. They work closely with students pursuing DVM degrees, veterinarians in internship and residency programs, and MS and PhD students. Learning to better understand, diagnose, and treat disease takes place in some of the most advanced facilities and laboratories. Faculty and students work together to find new solutions and put them into practice for a better world.

LCS educational facilities include the Large Animal Clinic in the Veterinary Medical Center, where faculty members and students provide emergency care as well as diagnostics, medical and surgical treatment, and therapeutic services for horses, cattle and other ruminants, as well as other animals including zoo and wildlife.

LCS coordinates the Summer Food Systems Fellowship Program - a unique partnership between the College and industry partners, which ensures the supply of well-trained veterinarians to work within the food animal industry.

LCS has a vibrant group of researchers with interests in diseases that impact animals and humans. Explore the interests of LCS faculty and LCS centers and laboratories.

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.