Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences seeks a Research Associate (100% research) for a 12-month appointment renewable depending upon performance and funding availability. The position responsibilities can be adjusted based on the program and departmental needs. The successful candidate will work with an interdisciplinary team to study the fate and transport of environmental pollutants in soil, water, and plant systems and their associated environmental exposure and risk using experimental and computational approaches. The research associate will work independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, other research associates, and collaborators.

The Research Associate will study on the occurrence, sorption, transport, plant uptake, and risk assessment of environmental pollutants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), and heavy metals in agroecosystems. Research duties include, but not limited to, lab analysis, experiments at laboratory, greenhouse, and field scales, modeling, preparation of reports, manuscripts, and proposals, and presentation of research at scientific meetings. The Research Associate will help supervise graduate and undergraduate students, manage lab activities, and engage collaborators, stakeholders, and relevant communities.

A Ph.D. in soil science, hydrology, earth science, environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline is required. The successful candidate should have the demonstrated ability to design experimental and computational studies to test hypothesis, conduct independent research, and publish manuscript(s) in peer-reviewed journals. 

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 -Soil science, hydrology, earth science, environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. in soil science, hydrology, earth science, environmental science, environmental engineering, or a related discipline is required.

Desired Qualifications

The successful candidate should have the demonstrated ability to design experimental and computational studies to test hypothesis, conduct independent research, and publish manuscript(s) in peer-reviewed journals.

Required Application Materials

• A cover letter describing the interest in this position
• CV/Resume
• Research statement describing research interest and future directions
• A diversity, equity, and inclusion statement
• Name and Contact information for Three (3) Professional References

Special Instructions

Contact Dr. Wei Zhang (weizhang@msu.edu) for more information about the position 

Review of Applications Begins On

09/11/2024

Website

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

Department Statement

Michigan State University (MSU) is a land-grant university and one of the top research universities in the world committed to engagement and solving community and global problems. The Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences (PSM) is an internationally recognized department that uses science to promote an equitable, economically and environmentally sound, sustainable agricultural system and ecosystem in Michigan, the nation, and the world. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are important, interdependent components of everyday life and are critical to our pursuit of academic excellence.

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.