Research Associate-Fixed Term

Job Description:

Position Summary

Drs. Jared Homola and Michael Booth of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and Michigan Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Michigan State University invite applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to lead a multi-jurisdictional pilot project focused on the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) for early detection and rapid response (EDRR) of aquatic invasive species in inland lakes of southwestern Michigan and northeastern Indiana. This position is part of a federally funded initiative in collaboration with the Great Lakes Commission, tribal partners, and state agencies.

The successful candidate will play a central role in leading field sampling to deploy eDNA metabarcoding for invasive crayfish surveillance, validating a qPCR marker for Hydrilla verticillata, and contributing to the development of communication tools to improve eDNA literacy among stakeholders and managers. Field sampling will involve coordinating with regional partners as well as trailering and operating a small boat in inland lakes throughout southwest Michigan to facilitate collection of water samples for eDNA analysis. In addition to leading this project, the postdoc will have opportunities to contribute to ongoing research and publications in conservation genetics, molecular ecology, and fisheries management.

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 -Conservation genetics, aquatic ecology or fisheries, or related field

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. with emphasis in conservation genetics, aquatic ecology, fisheries science, or related field
• Demonstrable strong quantitative and analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work across academic, agency, and tribal partners
• Commitment to reproducible research and inclusive science practices

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with eDNA sampling, metabarcoding, and/or qPCR assay development
• Experience with bioinformatics pipelines related to eDNA metabarcoding
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and science communication
• Proficiency in R (tidyverse, ggplot2, adegenet, dartR) and version-controlled workflows

Required Application Materials

• Cover letter describing your research interests and fit for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for three references
• Up to two representative publications or preprints

Special Instructions

Funding is available for 1 year, renewal contingent upon continued funding availability.

Review of Applications Begins On

04/15/2026

Summary of Physical Demands

Sampling will involve lifting equipment and water samples that will weight approximately 25 pounds.

Website

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

Department Statement

The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife is a vibrant community of scholars comprising 40 core faculty (tenure stream and fixed-term faculty, and academic specialists), 80 graduate and 240 undergraduate students, and 30 research associates. Our Mission is to build local, national, and international capacities to conserve ecosystems that support fish, wildlife, and society through integrated programs in research, education and engagement. We are committed to the integrative nature of natural resources conservation and management, with our expertise ranging from disciplinary areas with a long-standing history in the domain of fisheries and wildlife to those emerging more recently. For more information about the Department, please visit our website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/fw/

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.