Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

A postdoctoral scholar position is available in the laboratories of Dr. Sean Crosson and Dr. Andrew Olive in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology at Michigan State University. The position is available starting within six months with two years of funding guaranteed through a recent award from the MSU Foundation Postdoctoral Scholars Program (Link). There is a possibility of an extension based on progress and performance. The main project is to work on cutting-edge research to understand the host-pathogen interactions and to define protective/pathologic host responses following pulmonary exposure to Brucella abortus the causative agent of brucellosis a key pathogen of livestock and humans. Further opportunities to pursue projects related to other pulmonary pathogens including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Non-tuberculous Mycobacterium like Mycobacterium abscessus as well as Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Staphylococcus aureus are also available. These parallel projects will ensure the development of independent projects to support the long-term career goals of the applicant. Generally, the project will center around leveraging bacterial and mammalian genetic approaches that were recently optimized in our laboratories, including barcoded transposon-sequencing of B. abortus, and new genetically tractable models of lung resident macrophages from distinct mammalian species including mice, humans, and cows. The applicant will pursue projects related to early responses following exposure in the lungs and defining their impact on subsequent inflammation, bacterial control, adaptive immune responses, and chronic disease.  

The applicant must have a PhD in the area of microbiology/immunology/molecular biology or a related field and have a strong background in genetics (either host or bacterial). Strong quantitative and communication skills are required. The applicant is expected to design and conduct experiments independently and clearly document results for use in presentations, manuscripts and grants. Previous experience working in a BSL3 is desired but not required. Experience with Fluorescence activated cell sorting, genome-wide genetic screens, host responses to infection, and next generation sequencing is preferred although not required.

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.

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 -Microbiology, immunology, molecular biology or a related field.

Minimum Requirements

The applicant must have a PhD in the area of microbiology/immunology/molecular biology or a related field and have a strong background in genetics (either host or bacterial). Strong quantitative and communication skills are required. The applicant is expected to design and conduct experiments independently and clearly document results for use in presentations, manuscripts and grants. 

Desired Qualifications

Previous experience working in a BSL3 is desired but not required. Experience with Fluorescence activated cell sorting, genome-wide genetic screens, host responses to infection, and next generation sequencing is preferred although not required.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a CV and the names and contact information for three references.

Review of Applications Begins On

10/05/2026

Summary of Physical Demands

Some duties in this position may include lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling boxes that weigh approximately 30 pounds in the lab.

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.
• TB risk or work within 3 feet of human patients in a health care setting or have potential exposure to animals or to specimens with Mycobacterium.
• Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.
• Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).

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.