Professional Aide

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

The Department of Microbiology, Genetics & Immunology is seeking a temporary employee to work in the laboratory of Dr. Gemma Reguera. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Ph.D. scientist to join our interdisciplinary team focused on understanding the interactions between microbiomes, agrochemicals, and environmental factors. The successful candidate will lead computational analyses of large-scale microbiome datasets to uncover correlations between microbial community structure, metabolic potential, and physicochemical variables associated with agricultural practices. Remote and hybrid work agreements are possible.

Duties include:

-Perform computational analysis of large microbiome datasets (metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metabolomics).

-Develop and apply statistical and machine learning approaches to identify correlations between microbial communities, metabolic pathways, and agrochemical profiles.

-Integrate biological, chemical, and environmental datasets to generate predictive models of microbiome responses to agrochemical inputs.

-Collaborate with experimentalists, environmental scientists, and policy experts to interpret findings in the context of sustainable agriculture.

-Prepare manuscripts for high-impact journals and present research at national and international conferences.

-Contribute to grant writing and stakeholder engagement activities related to agricultural sustainability and policy.

Desired Qualifications

-Ph.D. in Microbiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Environmental Science, or a related field.

-Demonstrated expertise in microbiome computational analysis, including handling large and complex datasets.

-Strong background in microbial metabolism and systems biology.

-Proficiency in correlation and multivariate statistical analyses linking biological and physicochemical variables.

-Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in relevant fields.

-Demonstrated experience in environmental science and policy, particularly as it relates to agricultural stakeholders and agrochemical use.

-Strong programming skills (e.g., Python, R) and experience with high-performance computing environments.

-Experience with machine learning approaches for biological data integration.

-Knowledge of agrochemical impacts on soil and plant microbiomes.

-Ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers and agricultural stakeholders.

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 Application Materials

Please submit a cover letter summarizing qualifications for this position, an updated CV, and the names and contact information for three references.

Work Hours

ON-CALL

Website

https://mgi.natsci.msu.edu/

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.