Research Associate-Fixed Term

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University invites applications for a Research Associate (Post-Doc) in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology. The project studies artificial symbiosis between Wolbachia and Anopheles malaria vectors, exploring transinfection and genetic/environmental factors.

Start date is immediate with three years of funding and potential extension. Full-time, 12-month fixed-term with renewal contingent on progress and funding.

Qualifications

• PhD in one of the relevant fields with strong genetics background.
• Strong quantitative and communication skills.
• Experience in experimental design and independent project work.

Responsibilities

• Design and conduct experiments independently.
• Document results for presentations, manuscripts, and grants.

Education

PhD in medical entomology / parasitology / microbiology / immunology / molecular biology

Job description

Position Summary

A Research Associate (Post-Doc) position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Zhiyong Xi in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology at Michigan State University. The position is available starting immediately with three years of funding guaranteed with a possibility of an extension based on progress and performance. The main project is to work on cutting-edge research to study the artificial symbiosis between the endosymbiotic bacteriumWolbachiaandAnophelesmalaria vectors. The project will center around establishingWolbachiatransinfection inAnophelesand dissecting genetic and environmental factors shapingWolbachia-Anopheles symbiosis (See here: DOI: 10.1126/science.1236192; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0012523 ). This includes exploring the interactions between various Wolbachia strains and Anopheles under diverse genetic backgrounds and environmental conditions. The applicant is expected to design and conduct experiments independently and clearly document results for use in presentations, manuscripts and grants.

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position with reappointment contingent on satisfactory performance and available 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

Minimum Requirements

The applicant must have a PhD in the area of medical entomology, parasitology, microbiology/immunology/molecular biology or a related field and have a strong background in genetics. Strong quantitative and communication skills are required.

Desired Qualifications

Previous experience working in a BSL2 is desired but not required. Experience with developingWolbachiafor mosquito-borne disease control is preferred although not required.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and the names and contact information for three references.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/15/2025

Summary of Health Risks

Some duties in this position may include the following health risks:

-Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions.

-Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://mgi.natsci.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.