Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Vegetable and Ornamental Pathology Program on the campus of Michigan State University located in East Lansing, Michigan, is looking for a postdoctoral researcher to investigate the etiology, epidemiology, population genetics, and mitigation measures of fungal and oomycete pathogens causing disease of vegetables and greenhouse ornamentals. 

The successful candidate will work cooperatively with a team that includes the principal investigator (PI), research assistants, graduate and undergraduate students to test and develop new and improved disease management strategies. Candidate must have an ability to work cooperatively in an environment that values and expects collegiality. The candidate is also expected to mentor graduate students and supervise undergraduate students.

The position includes applying and then evaluating registered fungicides and biorational products for efficacy against important pathogens affecting a range of vegetable and ornamental host including but not limited to cucurbits, tomatoes, peppers, asparagus, carrots, onions, herbs, ginseng, and greenhouse ornamental crops including geranium, petunia, poinsettia, perennials.  Responsibilities will also include screening cultivars to discern differences in susceptibility as part of an integrated management approach. Additional objectives could include evaluating the impact of production practices and the environment. 

The successful candidate will work with the PI to design trials, make treatment applications, collect and analyze project data, prepare technical reports and manuscripts, and engage in extension activities to educate industry stakeholders on research progress and highlights. Work will also include performing experiments independently in the lab and conducting greenhouse and research work under sometimes physically challenging conditions.

The individual will also be responsible for training technicians and students in molecular techniques. Compiling and analyzing data and summarizing results for grant reports, manuscripts, extension articles, scientific publications, and PowerPoint presentations is expected. 

The appointment will be initially for one year with the possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and continuation of funding.

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 Pathology, Agronomy, or agriculture-related field

Minimum Requirements

PhD in Plant Pathology, Agronomy, or agriculture-related field completed at the time of hire

A Michigan commercial pesticide license or be able to obtain one within 30 days of hire.

The successful candidate must have proven experience with qPCR. Laboratory activities will include microscopy, pathogen isolation and propagation, molecular testing, assay development, and maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment. 

Desired Qualifications

Demonstrated use of various diseased plant sampling techniques and capacity to develop molecular biology tools to rapidly diagnose and identify microorganisms causing diseases.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter

CV/Resume

The names and contact information for Three (3) Professional References 

Special Instructions

Inquiries regarding the position should be sent to Dr. Mary Hausbeck (hausbec1@msu.edu)

Review of Applications Begins On

05/07/2025

Summary of Physical Demands

• Lift and carry up to 50 lb. bags of fertilizer, seeds, and equipment parts.
• Walk through uneven field plots, potentially in inclement weather 

Summary of Health Risks

• Wear a respirator (does not include paper dust mask worn for comfort).
• Spray or mix organophosphate or carbamate insecticides.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/

Department Statement

MSU has a vibrant plant science community comprising of more than 150 faculty members conducting a wide range of plant research spanning the lab-to-field continuum in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. PSM is a multi-disciplinary department with faculty appointed in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR; http://www.canr.msu.edu/).

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.