Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

This tenure-stream position comprises research, teaching, and curation components. The applicant is expected to have an independent, specimen-based research program with strong potential (or record, in the case of the more senior applicants) for external funding. The research program should contribute to the growth of the vertebrate collections and provide research opportunities for students. The applicant will also teach an upper-level course in their area of expertise.

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 -Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Biology, Zoology, or related field

Minimum Requirements

Required Qualifications 

• PhD in Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Biology, Zoology, or related field (or equivalent international degree)
• Postdoctoral research experience, or equivalent post-PhD research experience broadly defined, i.e. not necessarily at an academic institution
• Active specimen-based research program focused on a vertebrate taxon

• At least one year of museum experience managing collections

• Evidence of instructional experience and commitment (at least teaching assistant experience)
• Experience with undergraduate research training and mentorship 

• Proficiency using vertebrate taxonomies
• Service activities such as serving on committees, reviewing manuscripts/proposals, and/or outreach activities with the public
• Experience implementing DEI practices and current DEI activities in research, teaching, or curation, and thoughtful plans for incorporation of DEI practices into at least one of these areas 
• Potential to obtain sustained extramural funding for research and collections care and growth

Desired Qualifications

Desired Qualifications 

• Experience with graduate and postdoctoral research training and mentorship 
• Involvement in one or more professional societies (e.g., Society of Systematic Biologists, American Society of Mammalogists, American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists, American Ornithological Society, Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, Society for the Study of Evolution, etc.) 
• Track record of collaborative activities in research and/or teaching
• Experience as the instructor of record for an undergraduate course in a relevant field

Required Application Materials

1. A cover letter (1 page maximum) describing interest in the position 

2. A curriculum vitae with academic appointments, professional experience, funded grants, publications, curation and service roles, and courses taught 

3. A 5-page reflective statement (no less than 12 pt font and one-inch margins), divided into three sections: research, curation, and teaching. Candidates should describe their experiences and accomplishments in all these areas. DEI experiences and accomplishments should be described for at least one of the areas. Additionally, candidates should address how they plan to further DEI principles and practices in research, curation, or teaching. Candidates should also describe their role in past collaborations in the research and/or teaching section.

1. Research: include key publications, grants and/or fellowships, and future research directions 

2. Curation:  include past experience, vision for future use of collections in candidate’s research, and recommendations for how to encourage use of collections by other MSU faculty and students 

3. Teaching: including research mentoring experience, past activities in academic instruction, and reflection on educational commitment.  

4. The names and contact information of three references.  

Special Instructions

Questions regarding the position may be sent to the Chair of the search committee, Dr. Catherine Lindell (lindellc@msu.edu). 

Review of Applications Begins On

11/15/2024

Website

https://integrativebiology.natsci.msu.edu/ ; https://museum.msu.edu/

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.