Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term
- Michigan State University
- United States, MI
- May 12, 2026
Job Description:
Position Summary
The Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct cutting-edge research in environmental genomics with a focus on metabolic pathways and biogeochemical cycling in marine systems. The scholar will analyze large-scale omics datasets (amplicon, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics) to investigate microbial contributions to ocean nutrient cycles.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Computational analysis and interpretation of environmental genomics datasets
- Development and application of bioinformatic pipelines for metabolic reconstruction and biogeochemical inference
- Leading manuscript preparation and publication of research findings
- Contributing to grant writing and proposal development
- Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in data analysis and research design
- Participating in collaborative, interdisciplinary research initiatives
The successful candidate will be expected to work independently while contributing meaningfully to a team-oriented environment. The candidate will lead data-driven research projects, mentor students, and contribute to grant development in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research setting.
The initial appointment is for a one‑year term and is not guaranteed to continue beyond that period. Any extension would be contingent upon operational needs, available funding, and satisfactory performance.
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
Terminal -Ph.D. in Microbiology, Marine Science, Environmental Genomics, Bioinformatics, Ecology, Oceanography, or a closely related field.
Minimum Requirements
The minimum qualifications include:
- Demonstrated expertise in environmental genomics or microbial ecology
- Demonstrated experience with bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
- Proficiency in R, Python, or other relevant computational tools
- Evidence of scholarly productivity (peer-reviewed publications)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Desired Qualifications
The desired qualifications include:
- Experience working with marine or oceanographic datasets
- Knowledge of microbial metabolic pathways and biogeochemical cycles
- Experience with metagenomic assembly, binning, and genome-resolved analyses
- Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students
- Prior participation in grant writing or fellowship applications
- Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research teams
Required Application Materials
Please submit the following application materials:
- Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three professional references
Review of Applications Begins On
05/29/2026
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
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.
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Job Description:
Position Summary
The Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Scholar to conduct cutting-edge research in environmental genomics with a focus on metabolic pathways and biogeochemical cycling in marine systems. The scholar will analyze large-scale omics datasets (amplicon, metagenomics and metatranscriptomics) to investigate microbial contributions to ocean nutrient cycles.
Primary responsibilities include:
- Computational analysis and interpretation of environmental genomics datasets
- Development and application of bioinformatic pipelines for metabolic reconstruction and biogeochemical inference
- Leading manuscript preparation and publication of research findings
- Contributing to grant writing and proposal development
- Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in data analysis and research design
- Participating in collaborative, interdisciplinary research initiatives
The successful candidate will be expected to work independently while contributing meaningfully to a team-oriented environment. The candidate will lead data-driven research projects, mentor students, and contribute to grant development in a collaborative, interdisciplinary research setting.
The initial appointment is for a one‑year term and is not guaranteed to continue beyond that period. Any extension would be contingent upon operational needs, available funding, and satisfactory performance.
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
Terminal -Ph.D. in Microbiology, Marine Science, Environmental Genomics, Bioinformatics, Ecology, Oceanography, or a closely related field.
Minimum Requirements
The minimum qualifications include:
- Demonstrated expertise in environmental genomics or microbial ecology
- Demonstrated experience with bioinformatic analysis of high-throughput sequencing data
- Proficiency in R, Python, or other relevant computational tools
- Evidence of scholarly productivity (peer-reviewed publications)
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
Desired Qualifications
The desired qualifications include:
- Experience working with marine or oceanographic datasets
- Knowledge of microbial metabolic pathways and biogeochemical cycles
- Experience with metagenomic assembly, binning, and genome-resolved analyses
- Experience mentoring undergraduate or graduate students
- Prior participation in grant writing or fellowship applications
- Ability to work effectively in interdisciplinary research teams
Required Application Materials
Please submit the following application materials:
- Cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three professional references
Review of Applications Begins On
05/29/2026
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
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.
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