Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

A Postdoctoral Scholar position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Stephanie Shames in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology at Michigan State University. This position is supported by a new 5-year NIH R01 grant.

Our research integrates in vivo murine models of infection with cellular and molecular microbiology and immunological approaches to define the host and pathogen determinants that govern infection outcome. The successful candidate will use interdisciplinary approaches to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of cell-intrinsic host defense against intracellular bacterial pathogens, including Legionella pneumophila and Listeria monocytogenes, communicate their research in scientific manuscripts and at conferences, and contribute to mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students in the lab.

Postdoctoral fellows are expected to develop independent research directions within the framework of the laboratory's funded projects and pursue independent fellowship funding.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in microbiology, immunology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a closely related field and brings the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated proficiency in bacterial culture, mammalian cell culture, and molecular biology techniques (e.g., Western blotting, qRT-PCR, molecular cloning, etc.).
• Prior experience working with vertebrate animals in a regulated research environment
• Strong attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Demonstrated proficiency writing and publishing primary research articles
• Experience with flow cytometry, transcriptomics (RNA-seq), and/or proteomics approaches is a plus

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position with reappointment contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding.

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches. 

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage. 

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.  

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

Terminal -Microbiology, Immunology, or closely related field.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should have a Ph.D. or equivalent advanced degree(s) in Microbiology, Immunology, or closely related field.

Required Application Materials

Interested candidates should submit the following materials: a current CV, contact information for three professional references, and a cover letter describing their research experience, technical skills, motivation for applying for this position, and how their prior training prepares them for this role. Applications missing a cover letter will not be considered.

Review of Applications Begins On

08/17/2026

Summary of Health Risks

Some duties in this position may include the following exposure to health risks:

• Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions.
• Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://mgi.natsci.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.