Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the MSU Dry Bean Breeding Program. The successful candidate will lead research focused on enhancing resistance to root rot diseases in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), integrating advanced breeding, genomics, and phenotyping approaches. This position is funded through a Multistate Research Committee and McIntire-Stennis project aimed at developing improved germplasm and high-throughput screening tools for root rot resistance. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Breeding and Germplasm Evaluation: Screen MSU backcross populations and new germplasm under high root rot disease pressure in Michigan field environments
• Conduct greenhouse and field trials, including inoculation and disease severity scoring. Genetic Mapping and Marker Development
• Develop and refine genetic mapping populations leveraging pre-breeding germplasm.
• Perform genotyping and quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis to identify genomic regions associated with root rot resistance
• Develop and validate molecular markers (e.g., KASP) for marker-assisted selection. High-Throughput Phenotyping
•  Adapt and implement image-based phenotyping pipelines (e.g., RootDS/PlantCV) for root disease severity assessment.
•  Design and optimize imaging systems for field and greenhouse applications.
• Data Analysis and Dissemination: Conduct statistical and genomic analyses using R, Python, and bioinformatics tools. Prepare manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at scientific conferences. 
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including plant breeders, pathologists, and computational biologists

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 Breeding, Genetics, Plant Pathology

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Plant Breeding, Genetics, Plant Pathology, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in plant breeding, quantitative genetics, or molecular marker development. 
• Strong written and oral communication skills

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with root phenotyping and/or image analysis pipelines
• Familiarity with dry bean breeding systems
• Knowledge of soilborne pathogens and disease resistance breeding 

Required Application Materials

CV

Cover Letter

Name and Contact Information for Three (3) Professional References 

Special Instructions

Please reach out to Dr. Hoyos-Villegas (hoyosval@msu.edu) for additional information about the job 

Review of Applications Begins On

10/31/2025

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.