Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

We are seeking a full-time postdoctoral research associate for the Department of Communication. The research associate will be appointed for one year (12-months-pending PhD conferral). The postdoctoral research associate will be mentored by Dr. Ralf Schmaelzle.

The postdoctoral research associate will participate in all stages of the project including participant recruitment, data collection, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, scholarly article writing, and planning, implementing, and evaluating outreach efforts and industry dissemination/implementation based on the findings of the research. They will also engage in mentoring junior research team members. The candidate will be supported in pursuing the scientific aspects of the project that best contribute to the development of their own independent line of research. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, funds for professional development (e.g., methods workshops), and travel funds.

Applicants will be selected based on their academic achievement, scholarly productivity, and promise in research.

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 -Communication

Minimum Requirements

• Completion of a PhD. The PhD should be attained by the start of the appointment.
• A background in virtual reality research for communication, with a focus on the intersection of VR & AI for interpersonal and emerging mass-personal communication research (and/or public speaking)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with rigorously quantitative data analysis and machine learning
• Experience with bio-behavioral and neurocognitive data collection and analysis
• Experience with generative AI for communication research
• Experience with VR research, particularly the ability to author VR experiences using leading platforms (Vizard, Unity, Unreal).
• Experience with Python and R

Required Application Materials

Applicants should include a letter of interest and a current curriculum vitae with contact information for two references.

Special Instructions

To apply for this position, please refer to posting #1028679 and complete an electronic submission at the Michigan State University Employment opportunities website, https://careers.msu.edu. 

Direct questions to: Ralf Schmaelzle, PhD, schmaelz@msu.edu

Review of Applications Begins On

04/22/2025

Website

HTTPS://COMARTSCI.MSU.EDU/DEPARTMENTS/COMMUNICATION

Department Statement

Michigan State University has more than 49,000 students-of whom nearly 9,000 are undergraduate students of color; in 200 programs of undergraduate, graduate, and professional study, including more than 275 study abroad programs. The Department of Communication has played a large role in helping to establish the international academic field of communication. Since 1960, the department has awarded 385 doctorates in communication, resulting in a large international network of Michigan State graduates and former faculty. The department is noted for its long-running excellence in communication theory, research design, quantitative methods training, and an apprentice-like experience for advanced students in research teams.

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.