Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Center for Sustainable Plant Innovation and Resilience Through International Teamwork (C-SPIRIT) is a National Science Foundation-funded Global Center that unites researchers from the United States, Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, and the United Kingdom to address critical agricultural challenges and develop sustainable farming solutions. Focused on stabilizing global food production in the face of shifting climate conditions and environmental stress, C-SPIRIT explores natural products from plants and microbes to improve soil and plant health, ultimately enhancing crop resilience and productivity. As part of our collaborative research efforts, we are conducting a cluster hiring for two postdoctoral researchers to join our team at Michigan State University. These positions offer an exciting opportunity to work on innovative projects aimed at advancing plant resilience through interdisciplinary research.

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to work on targeted and untargeted metabolite discovery against pathogenic fungi, heat, or drought stress. The project's central focus is identifying small-molecule compounds to improve plant stress resilience. To this end, we will employ mid-throughput binding screens and nano-differential scanning fluorimetry to look for novel small-molecule ligands of known proteins central for plant growth and stress resilience. A critical project step will include curating and overseeing the natural compound libraries to be tested against proteins of interest. In a complementary strategy, novel compounds associated with stress resilience will be identified from metabolomics datasets of crop plants (maize, pennycress, potato, rice) subjected to biotic (fungal pathogens) and abiotic stress treatments (heat and drought). The postdoc will be primarily hosted in the Skirycz lab and co-advised by several faculty including Sant, Moghe, and Glassmire in collaboration with  MSU Assay Development and Drug Repurposing Core and the MSU Metabolomics Core.

Responsibilities:

• Leading research independently and in teams, preparing publications, and presenting research in scientific meetings
• Working closely with collaborators and lab members
• Contributing to lab-wide chores, to help foster a productive and positive lab environment
• Participating in virtual and in-person C-SPIRIT activities

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 biology, genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in any of the following areas: plant biology, genomics, molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics
• Background in chemical genomics is not required but is a plus
• A track record of research productivity and independence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent project and time management skills

Excellent organizational skills and ability to pay attention to details

Required Application Materials

Submit your CV, a cover letter explaining your motivations for applying to this position and contact information for three people who can provide a reference letter on your behalf.

Review of Applications Begins On

05/15/2025

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.

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.