Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Postdoctoral Scholar Fixed-Term in the Barry Lab.

Position Summary

A postdoctoral researcher position is available in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University to work with Dr. Cornelius Barry (https://www.canr.msu.edu/people/dr_cornelius_barry) and Dr. Kevin Walker (https://www.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty-research/faculty-members/walker-kevin.aspx) on a collaborative project to elucidate alkaloid biosynthesis pathways in the Solanaceae (potato) family. The initial appointment is for one year, renewable for up to a total of four years dependent on performance and availability of funding.

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist with demonstrated expertise in plant biochemistry and metabolomics. Applicants should have a strong interest in plant specialized metabolism, excellent problem solving and analytical skills, be detail oriented, and possess strong organizational capabilities. The successful candidate must be able to work independently and as part of a team to design and lead experiments, perform data analysis, present data to scientific audiences, contribute to reports, and co-write manuscripts. Some mentoring and supervision of undergraduate researchers may be required.

MSU is a Land Grant Institution located in East Lansing, Michigan with a vibrant and highly collaborative plant sciences community and over 150 faculty engaged in basic and applied research. Researchers have access to state-of-the-art facilities and numerous opportunities exist for postdoctoral scholars to enhance their training and professional development.

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.

Professional Misconduct Review

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

Doctorate -Biochemistry or a plant science-related discipline.

Minimum Requirements

Demonstrated experience in plant biochemistry and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology and enzymology.
• Experience in plant genetic manipulation through gene-silencing, CRISPR, or mutant analysis.
• Experience in plant natural product research.
• A strong record of effective oral and written communication, including publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting scientific results at conferences and meetings.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Required Application Materials

Please provide a 1-2 page cover letter that describes your research experiences and interests, a current CV, and names and contact information for three references.

Special Instructions

Anticipated start date is October 1, 2026.  

Review of Applications Begins On

09/15/2026

Website

hrt.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.