Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Scholar  position focused on Soybean Genetics and Breeding. 

Core Responsibilities:

• Independently manage large-scale genomic analyses, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), population genetics, and structural variation analyses.
• Contribute to the development of genomic resources, including high-density genotype datasets, SNP arrays, structural variation catalogs, and breeder selected beneficial alleles.
• Conduct wet-lab research activities, as needed to support project objectives.
• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams including molecular biologist, breeders, bioinformaticians, and computational biologists.
• Prepare technical reports, quarterly and annual project updates, scientific presentations, and peer-reviewed publications.
• Contribute to grant proposal development and other funding initiatives.
• Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.

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

Doctorate -Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Genomics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Genetics, Plant Breeding, Genomics, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Quantitative Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related life science discipline.
• Minimum of three years of postdoctoral or equivalent research experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Experience analyzing and interpreting large-scale biological datasets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience managing research projects and delivering results within established timelines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prepare high-quality manuscripts, reports, grant applications, and scientific presentations.
• Strong publication record in genetics, genomics, plant breeding, bioinformatics, or related disciplines.

Required Application Materials

Resume/CV

Cover Letter 

Special Instructions

Inquiries regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Dechun Wang (wangdech@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

09/02/2026

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/

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.