Research Associate-Fixed Term

MSU - Michigan State University; Michigan; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate for the Janzen Lab at the Kellogg Biological Station. The role focuses on investigating temperature-dependent sex determination in reptiles through innovative research integrating molecular biology techniques. This position offers access to extensive lab resources and research opportunities in collaboration with other institutions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated scholarly excellence required.
• Strong interest in phenotypic plasticity and polyphenisms desired.
• Relevant wet lab skills, including high-throughput sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Develop research integrating ‘omics-level analyses for TSD dynamics.
• Collaborate on exploring mechanisms of developmental phenotypic plasticity.
• Analyze long-term data from a wild turtle population.

Skills

Wet lab skills

Molecular biology

Bioinformatics

Phenotypic plasticity

Education

PhD in Ecology, Evolution, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology

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 and ecology of a classic polyphenism – temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) – in many reptiles. We seek an experimental molecular biologist to work on collaborative projects exploring TSD as a model for developmental phenotypic plasticity.

The successful candidate will collaborate with the PI and lab team to develop a research program integrating ‘omics-level analyses to evaluate the evolutionary dynamics of TSD within and across reptile species with different patterns of sex-ratio response to developmental temperatures. Lab resources include long-term data and tissues from a wild pedigreed turtle population with TSD, as well as resources from geographically distant populations. The research may include comparisons across years, populations, and species to understand mechanisms underlying plasticity in thermal reaction norms in reptiles with TSD.

The postdoctoral mentoring philosophy emphasizes professional development, independent project development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The successful applicant will be based at KBS, which offers modern facilities like the Molecular Ecology and Genomics (MEG) Lab, Pond Lab, and Boathouse Research Facility. Opportunities for collaboration with MSU and other institutions are available.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, or veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate in Ecology, Evolution, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology, or a related field.

Minimum Requirements

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

Desired Qualifications

Demonstrated scholarly excellence; relevant wet lab/molecular biology skills, including high-throughput sequencing library preparation and bioinformatics for ‘omics data; strong interest in phenotypic plasticity and polyphenisms.

Required Application Materials

Applicants are encouraged to make informal inquiries. For formal application, submit:

1. a cover letter,
2. a CV,
3. a brief research/interests statement including DEI efforts,
4. contact information for three references.

Special Instructions

Contact Fred Janzen ([e-mail]) or Anne Bronikowski ([e-mail]) with questions.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/15/2025

Website

KBS.MSU.EDU

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good for over 160 years, fostering discovery and partnerships to address global challenges and promote diversity and inclusion through over 200 programs across 17 colleges.