Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Glassmire lab at Michigan State University is searching for a postdoctoral researcher in Entomology. The successful candidate will explore the biochemical landscape of native Spartina compared to invasive Phragmites plants across wetland habitats. The goal is to identify the suite of chemical traits responsible for establishment success by the invasive Phragmites.

The postdoc will be expected to design and perform common garden field experiments; survey wetland habitats for Spartina and Phragmites plants across Michigan; perform analysis on metabolomic datasets; rear insect colonies; maintenance of plants in common garden and greenhouse; partnering with technicians to carry out chemical extractions in the lab; develop protocols; pursue professional development and training opportunities. This role involves both laboratory and field work, which requires a moderate level of physical effort. The lab has a strong focus on the chemical ecology of plant-insect interactions and will require traveling to field sites. The candidate will collaborate with researchers at MSU and other institutions to identify current knowledge gaps and participate in experimental design, data collection, data analysis, grant and report writing, and publication. The candidate will be expected to publish peer-reviewed publications from this work, and meaningfully contribute to additional peer-reviewed publications. The candidate will be expected to take a leadership role in the lab including mentorship of graduate and undergraduate researchers, involvement in lab research projects, coordination of lab meetings, and leadership of lab-generated publications. The candidate should have excellent written and oral communication skills and demonstrable experience in statistical analysis of large datasets.

Start date for the position is August 1, 2025. This is a full-time, time-limited appointment for 1-year, with possible extension of appointment to a total of 2 years contingent on performance and funding availability. The selected individual must meet eligibility requirements to work in the United States at the time of appointment. 

The job requires handling potentially hazardous chemicals while adhering to Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) protocols and training. This position involves manual dexterity working with small instruments and insects 25-75% of the time.

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 -STEM field

Minimum Requirements

The successful candidate must hold a PhD in a STEM field, with particular weight given to applicants with degrees in chemistry, plant biology, entomology, and other related fields. A valid driver's license is required and a commercial driver's license is required within 60 days of hire.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in insect handling and rearing. Experience in performing chemical extractions and using gas chromatography instrumentation. Experience analyzing large datasets and using multivariate statistical analyses in R or other similar platforms; able to assist with management of student assistants in the field and laboratory.

Required Application Materials

CV and 1-page Research Statement

Review of Applications Begins On

04/21/2025

Summary of Physical Demands

Position requires lifting and carrying lab and field equipment weighing 30 lbs for up to 40 feet.

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/ent/

Department Statement

The Department of Entomology is a vibrant, growing, and internationally-recognized team committed to interdisciplinary research, teaching and extension at local, regional, national and international levels. Programs within the Department of Entomology encompass basic and applied research on arthropods in diverse systems including agriculture, forestry, medical/veterinary, aquatic and a diversity of other ecosystems.

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.