Research Associate-Fixed Term

MSU - Michigan State University; Hickory Corners (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative lab at a leading research university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to explore the fascinating field of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) in reptiles. This role involves leveraging long-term population data and cutting-edge molecular techniques to study phenotypic plasticity. The successful candidate will collaborate with a vibrant team, contributing to significant research while enjoying a supportive environment that fosters professional development and diversity in STEM. This is an exciting opportunity to make impactful contributions to evolutionary ecology and work with a variety of species in a state-of-the-art facility.

Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Mentoring of Student Scholars

Collaborative Research Environment

Access to Modern Shared-Use Facilities

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant fields required; strong bench skills and bioinformatics capability preferred.
• Demonstrated scholarly excellence and desire to advance understanding of phenotypic plasticity.

Responsibilities

• Develop research program integrating 'omics-level analyses with evolutionary dynamics of TSD.
• Collaborate with lab team on projects exploring temperature-dependent sex determination.

Skills

Wet Lab Skills

Molecular Biology

Bioinformatics

High-Throughput Sequencing

Phenotypic Plasticity

Education

PhD in Ecology

PhD in Evolution

PhD in Wildlife Biology

PhD in Conservation Biology

Tools

Molecular Ecology and Genomics Lab

Programmable Environmental Chambers

Job description

Position Summary

The lab of Fredric Janzen (http://www.kbs.msu.edu/research/labs/janzen/) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join us at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), Michigan State University (http://www.kbs.msu.edu). The Janzen Lab leverages long-term population monitoring and expertise in theoretical modeling, quantitative genetics, and experimentation to understand the evolution ecology of a classic polyphenism – temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) – that occurs in many reptiles. In so doing, we also gain insight into phenotypic plasticity relevant to responses of imperiled taxa to anthropogenic habitat/climate change. We seek an experimental molecular biologist to work on collaborative projects exploring TSD as a model for developmental phenotypic plasticity.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the PI and lab team to develop a research program that integrates ‘omics-level analyses with existing expertise to evaluate the evolutionary dynamics of TSD within and across reptile species with differing patterns of sex-ratio response to developmental temperatures. Available lab resources include long-term data and tissues from a wild pedigreed population of turtles with TSD, as well as comparable resources from geographically distant populations. The research could thus include comparisons among years within populations (including across generations), across populations within species, as well as across species, to clarify proximate and ultimate mechanisms underlying observed plasticity in thermal reaction norms in reptiles with TSD.

The post-doctoral mentoring philosophy includes providing (1) opportunities for professional development and mentoring of student scholars, (2) time for independent project development, and (3) resources for outreach and activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. The successful applicant will be based at KBS, which hosts a vibrant group of resident faculty, post-docs, and graduate students along with multiple modern shared-use facilities, including a Molecular Ecology and Genomics (MEG) Lab, Pond Lab (experimental ponds, mesocosms, etc.), and Boathouse Research Facility (cutting-edge programmable walk-in environmental chambers and incubators). Opportunities for collaboration with MSU campus and other institutions are also available.

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 - Ecology, Evolution, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology or a related field

Minimum Requirements

A PhD degree in Ecology, Evolution, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology or a related field.

Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications include: (1) demonstrated scholarly excellence, (2) relevant bench skills – wet lab/molecular biology experience, preparation of high-throughput sequencing libraries, bioinformatics capability related to ‘omics data – and (3) a strong desire to advance our conceptual understanding of phenotypic plasticity, including polyphenisms.

Required Application Materials

Informal inquiries are encouraged prior to formal application.

For formal application, please submit:

1. a cover letter,
2. a curriculum vitae,
3. a brief statement of research experiences/interests that incorporates efforts in DEI, and
4. names and contact information for three references.

Special Instructions

Please contact Fred Janzen ([e-mail]) or Anne Bronikowski ([e-mail]) if you have any questions about these postdoctoral positions.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/15/2025

Website

KBS.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.