Research Associate-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Postdoctoral Fellow - Fixed Term

Position Summary

This postdoctoral position (Research Associate- Fixed Term) is for two years, subject to review after one year, and can begin as early as January 1, 2025 or as late as August 1, 2025.  It has an annual salary of $65,000 plus benefits.  Up to $1,000 of moving expenses may be reimbursed in the first year.  Benefit information can be found at:

https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/documents/Benefits_Summary.pdf.

The Fellow will participate in a future faculty development program, gain grant proposal training, build a mentoring and research network, and will be expected to advanced DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion).

Candidates are encouraged from students who will complete their Ph.D.’s prior to the start date of this position to current postdoctoral scholars.  Applicants with no postdoctoral experience or less than three years of postdoctoral experience are highly preferred, though applicants with more experience will be considered.   This position is intended for candidates who are planning to pursue careers at Ph.D.-granting institutions and plan to advance DEI.

Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:

The fellow will be engaged in research with a selected participating faculty mentor, and, by the end of the program, will be expected to build towards a cutting-edge research program in a new area. 

RESEARCH PROGRAM:  The Fellow will be engaged in research with a faculty mentor and will be expected to build towards the development of a cutting-edge research program by the end of the program.  Candidates are encouraged to identify a potential mentor (or mentors) before applying, though this is not required.

In alignment with the NatSci Strategic Plan towards improving inclusion and increasing the diversity of our faculty, this NatSci Future Faculty Postdoctoral Fellowship Program is introduced.  These postdoctoral fellowships are available for placement with any participating NatSci faculty mentor in any unit/department of NatSci that is not already served by a Presidential/NatSci funded postdoctoral program.  (Those with interest in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior are encouraged to consider the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship program - https://eeb.msu.edu/initiatives/postdoctoral-fellowship/index.aspx.) This enhanced postdoctoral program includes both research with a selected faculty mentor as well as strong support towards the development of skills and experiences essential to becoming a faculty member at a Ph.D.-granting institution for candidates who will advance DEI. 

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

Minimum Requirements

Candidate will have completed a Ph.D. degree by the position start date.  Candidates must have strong motivation for research and planned career at a Ph.D.-granting institution

Desired Qualifications

Successful candidates will be highly motivated towards research and a career at a Ph.D.-granting institution. They should have peer-reviewed publications and demonstrated exceptional potential for research success in the area of application. They should also demonstrate how they will contribute to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Required Application Materials

Candidates should submit the following to the MSU job portal:

• Cover letter indicating future career plans.
• A list of up to three potential faculty mentors of interest in NatSci, indicating the relevance of their research background and career interests to the selected suggested mentor or mentors;
• CV;
• A list of publications from prior work;
• Names and contact information of three references;
• Statement indicating how their selection would enable advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion;
• Statement of research interests (up to three pages, with one page describing research to date).

Special Instructions

• Candidates are encouraged to view the MSU NatSci webpages (https://natsci.msu.edu/about/departments-and-programs/index.aspx) to identify eligible departmental and program placement. 
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• Review of applications will begin October 1, 2024, after posting and continue until the positions are filled Applications should be submitted online through the careers.msu.edu website. For additional information or to request accommodations, please contact the Chair of the Search Committee, Angela Wilson, akwilson@msu.edu with the required e-mail subject heading: "Natural Science Postdoc". 

Review of Applications Begins On

10/01/2024

Website

https://natsci.msu.edu

Department Statement

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer and is committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. The University actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans, and persons with disabilities. MSU is committed to providing a work environment that supports employees' work and personal life and offers employment assistance to the spouse or partner of candidates for faculty and academic staff positions.

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.