Research Associate-Fixed Term

Working/Functional Title

MSU Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow

Position Summary

For the most up to date information on the position, please visit the MSU EEB website:  https://eeb.msu.edu/initiatives/postdoctoral-fellowship/index.aspx

The position is for two years, subject to review after one year, and will begin between June 1 and September 1, 2025. It has a starting annual salary of $65,000 plus benefits, as well as a research stipend of $8,000 per year. Up to $1000 of moving expenses may be reimbursed from the research stipend in the first year. Benefits details may be viewed here: https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/documents/Benefits_Summary.pdf. We encourage applications from candidates in any early-career stage, from finishing PhD students to current postdoctoral scholars.

RESEARCH PROGRAM: The Research Associate Fellow will be a fully participating member of EEB at MSU and will be expected to have a cutting-edge research program that bridges the interests of two or more EEB core faculty members. A list of possible faculty mentors can be found here: https://eeb.msu.edu/people/core-faculty.aspx.  Candidates should contact potential faculty mentors before applying, as each faculty mentor will need to fill out the sponsor form (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeoX4z598LKH4ti1aNPDqpP_q7bR4SjMXvH_bzp54V-3j5fpg/viewform).

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: The Fellow will also contribute to the EEB community via a community engagement initiative. The proposed initiative is up to the discretion of the applicant; possible ideas include (but are not limited to): a workshop on diversity, equity, and inclusion, professional development, or a technical research skill; a science communication or public engagement product or event; a public science initiative, a journal discussion group; curriculum development; etc. The Fellow’s research stipend may also be used to support the community engagement initiative.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION: The candidate must demonstrate an understanding of and a track record in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The DEI statement must also include clear and concrete plans for advancing DEI as part of the proposed fellowship activities.

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

Minimum Requirements

Candidates will have completed a Ph.D. degree by the position start date. Candidates must have strong motivation for academic research.

Desired Qualifications

Candidates will be expected to propose a cutting-edge research program that bridges the interests of two or more EEB core faculty members. They should have peer-review publications and demonstrate exceptional potential for research success in ecology, evolution, and/or behavior.

Required Application Materials

Applicants will need to enter the contact information for two references willing to write letters of recommendation on behalf of the candidate. MSU will contact letter writers directly with instructions for a select number of applicants.

In addition, each faculty sponsor (not the applicant) should fill out the sponsor form to indicate their support for the candidate's application, how the candidate's research will integrate into the faculty members' labs, and a brief description of the mentor's contributions to the EEB community (service, teaching, etc.). 

The required application materials should be uploaded as four separate documents:

1. Cover letter (1 page max)
2. CV
3. Other document #1
4. Other document #2

Other document #1 should include:

• Research statement including past research accomplishments and proposed research plans as an EEB postdoctoral fellow (2 pages max)
• Community engagement proposal (1 page max)
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion statement (1 page max)

Other document #2 should include:

Up to two publications, preprints, or manuscripts representative of the applicant’s work (works #1 and #2 should be uploaded as a single file)

Special Instructions

Please visit the MSU EEB website for additional details: https://eeb.msu.edu/initiatives/postdoctoral-fellowship/index.aspx

Review of Applications Begins On

11/04/2024

Website

https://eeb.msu.edu/initiatives/postdoctoral-fellowship/index.aspx

Department Statement

The Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior (EEB) Program at MSU has a unique organization that facilitates interdisciplinary interactions among our students and faculty, while allowing participants to engage in the program's activities at levels according to their individual interests and availability. Our students pursue a dual-degree Ph.D. (or M.S.) in Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior and their home departments. Faculty, postdocs, and students have their primary appointments in 15 departments across four colleges. EEB organizes many events throughout the year including a weekly seminar series, bi-weekly colloquia for students to showcase in progress work, recruitment and social events, and an annual symposium.

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.