Research Associate-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

Computational Phenomics Researcher

Position Summary

Join Our Team: Research Associate Position Available! The Dry Bean Breeding Program at the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences is seeking an exceptional candidate for an exciting opportunity as a Research Associate. This fixed-term position is dedicated to developing computational tools in the development of improved dry bean varieties for agronomic and processing traits. 

As a Research Associate, you will play a pivotal role in our dynamic team, contributing to groundbreaking research on phenomics of dry bean UAV imagery, implementing machine learning, language models and other data science approaches for the development of improved plant breeding processes. Your efforts will be instrumental in designing innovative strategies aimed at developing new bean varieties. 

Key Responsibilities:  

•  Conduct computer science and computational biology research using imagery, sensor data and genomic data to develop modeling and predictive approaches for the identification of superior candidate lines. 
• Collaborate with a team of experts to contribute valuable insights and findings. Design and implement experiments to advance our understanding of phenotype plasticity and population wide genetic and genomic variation. 
• Contribute to the development of novel strategies for creating crop varieties and providing support platforms for presenting information for decision-making. 
• Assist with manuscript preparation and publication and grant writing activities. 
• Assist and learn about breeding program activities in the field at critical times of the year in collaboration with bean breeding team members. 

Why Join Us: Be part of a vibrant and collaborative research community at MSU. Contribute to cutting-edge research with real-world implications. Shape the future of agriculture through innovative solutions. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the field of plant breeding and possess the required qualifications, we invite you to apply for this exciting Research Associate position. To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and relevant credentials.

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 -Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or related field

Minimum Requirements

 A Ph.D. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics, or related field. 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities. 

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter

Resume/CV

Name and Contact Information for Three (3) professional references 

Special Instructions

For inquires about the position please contact Dr. Valerio Hoyos-Villegas (hoyosval@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

03/19/2025

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.