Position Summary

The Gomes Lab at Michigan State University (MSU) is recruiting a driven postdoctoral research associate interested in unravelling the impact of maternal obesity and preeclampsia on the developmental programming of the offspring’s central nervous system. Our team is particularly interested in understanding how gestation in an obesogenic-hypertensive intrauterine environment may affect female offspring hypothalamic programming, potentially leading to long-term reproductive and cardiometabolic disorders.

This one-year position is ideally slated to commence in Summer or Fall 2024, although the start date is negotiable. The successful applicant will be presented with the opportunity to pioneer cutting-edge molecular research and become an integral part of our enjoyable workplace environment. Continuation of the position beyond the initial year is contingent upon the availability of funding. The Research Associate will be strongly encouraged to take an active role in preparing and submitting grant applications to support both this position and future research endeavors.

The Gomes lab is part of the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine (https://cvm.msu.edu) and of the MSU Reproductive and Developmental Science Program (http://rdsp.canr.msu.edu). Located in the MSU Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building, a state-of-the-art open concept interdepartmental building, the Gomes lab is part of a highly collaborative research environment. Our research interests are centered in comparative pregnancy physiology and developmental origins of reproductive and cardiovascular disease. Inspired by the One Health concept; which highlights the intricate interplay between animal, human and environmental well-being; our lab employs the mouse, the rat, and the dog as animal models to foster scientific advancements in both veterinary and human medicine.

Dr. Gomes joined the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2023 to launch her research lab and spearhead the establishment of the Veterinary Medical Center's Companion Animal Theriogenology Service. Her academic commitments also include teaching pre-clinical and clinical veterinary students, serving as advisor for MSU's student chapter of the Society for Theriogenology, and as vice chair of the College's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Dr. Gomes is also a member of the MSU Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, a tight-knit group of scientists engaged in reproductive research. Dr. Gomes is a staunch proponent of fostering a healthy work-life balance and nurturing an inclusive work environment.

Website: cvm.msu.edu/research/faculty-research/reproductive-systems/gomes-laboratory 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The mission of the college is to be inclusive as we learn, discover, heal and protect. We, as a College, aim to identify, attract, and retain talented students, faculty, and staff reflective of the diversity of the populations in our state, the nation, and the world. Our academic, scholarly, and service roles, considered separately and collectively, form the foundation of an inclusive culture that is committed to respecting, nurturing, and advancing all individuals.

CVM Core Value of Diversity

We are committed to promoting the principles of equal opportunity and multiculturalism where all individuals are valued, respected, provided opportunity to flourish and open doors in their pursuit of excellence. We encourage and welcome our community to share ideas with us surrounding opportunities to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The College's vision is to be the destination for teaching, innovation, care, and service. Six goals, backed by specific strategies, guide our organization as we move forward. Read more at https://cvm.msu.edu/about/strategic-planning-2021-26/goals to learn about the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s goals, strategies and progress.

Michigan State University is located on one of the nation's largest and most beautiful campuses, and the University is home to a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists, teachers and leaders. East Lansing’s collegiate atmosphere is complimented by low cost of living with convenient access to large cultural centers such as Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Detroit and Chicago. East Lansing and surrounding communities provide excellent public school systems. In addition, Michigan, the Great Lakes State, with its numerous inland lakes and rivers, state and national parks, national lakeshores, world-class golf courses, and ample snowfall offers a broad variety of seasonal outdoor recreational activities. Visit the Pure Michigan© website Pure Michigan | Official Travel & Tourism Website for Michigan for more details.

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 -Ph.D.

Minimum Requirements

Doctoral Degree in Physiology, Endocrinology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or related field. 

Desired Qualifications

• Strong work ethic and commitment to the project
• Strong communication, writing and organizational skills
• Proficiency in one or more of the following fields is desired: Reproductive Physiology, Endocrinology, Neuroscience, Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy, Developmental Programming, Molecular Biology, and Statistics. Proficiency in rodent procedures is desired, but not required. 

Required Application Materials

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of intent including statement of research interest
• Three professional references

Special Instructions

Please contact Dr. Viviane Gomes via email at leitegom@msu.edu for further information about this position. 

Review of Applications Begins On

05/14/2024

Summary of Health Risks

• Work with animals and unfixed animal tissue, including research mice, rats, and dogs.

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/scs

Department Statement

We believe veterinarians make the world a better place. The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences (SCS) is committed to educating the next generation of veterinary professionals, conducting research that improves the lives of animals and humans, and bringing our skills and knowledge together to provide the best clinical services available.

The Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences offers graduate programs through the Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology program, a residency program, a DVM degree, a veterinary technician program, and specialty continuing education for practicing veterinarians.

Our faculty is actively engaged in basic and translational research that advances knowledge and improves the health and wellbeing of animals. Our graduate programs lead to the master of science degree from Small Animal Clinical Sciences, and MS and PhD degrees through the College’s Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology program. There are options for graduate veterinarians to combine residency training with a MS or PhD program.

DVM and post-DVM clinical training is supervised by our board-certified specialists in the college's state-of-the-art Veterinary Medical Center, which—from oncology to diagnostic imaging—includes some of the most advanced technology available.

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.