Job postings

Research Associate-Fixed Term

Back to search results Apply now Job no: 961395

Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff

Major Administrative Unit / College:College Of Natural Science

Department:Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Cns 10032098

Sub Area:FAS- Fac./Acad Staff

Salary:Salary Commensurate with Experience

Location: East Lansing

Categories: Research/Scientific, Fixed Term Academic Staff, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union

Position Summary

The small-molecule regulation group led by Dr. Aleksandra Skirycz at Michigan State University seeks a postdoctoral researcher associate with expertise in plant molecular biology and biochemistry. Experience with untargeted metabolomics and compound identification is a plus. The research associate will lead or contribute to projects focused on the identification and functional characterization of novel small-molecule compounds involved in plant growth and stress tolerance and, more generally, organismal health. The starting point of our research is protein-metabolite interaction networks mapped in the group using an array of biochemical approaches and primarily co-fractionation mass-spectrometry. The available interactomes, spanning microbes, animals, and plants, are a treasure trove for discovery. The research associate will query the available interactomes for novel regulatory metabolite-protein pairings, followed by biochemical and functional characterization. The lab is working closely with the MSU metabolomics and proteomics cores. It is fully equipped for molecular and biochemical work, including state-of-the-art technologies to characterize protein-ligand binding. The lab has a strong collaboration network, and the research associate will be encouraged to tap into this network and forge their own collaborations. The research associate is expected to lead their project, including contributing ideas, designing and performing the experiments, analyzing and interpreting the data, writing the manuscript, presenting at national and international meetings, and contributing to grant applications. The research associate will be encouraged to apply for fellowships and travel grants. The research associate is expected to co-mentor students and technicians. The principal investigator (PI), Dr. Skirycz, is committed to mentoring the lab members in a manner that best suits their needs and career goals. Lab alumni have leading positions in academia and industry.

The Skirycz Lab is committed to unraveling the intricate roles of metabolites, particularly in the context of organismal health. While our primary focus is on plants, we also work with other model organisms. Recognizing that metabolites exert their effects by binding and regulating protein partners, we use diverse biochemical methods coupled with mass-spectrometry-based proteomics and metabolomics to map protein-metabolite interactomes to guide our work.

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

• PhD degree in plant biology, biochemistry, chemical ecology, or a related field

• Experience in molecular biology and biochemistry, particularly protein work

• Experience in working with plants, particularly Arabidopsis

• Record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in analyzing data from multi-omics experiments is a plus

• Experience in metabolomics is a plus

• Record of mentoring experience is a plus

• Attention to detail and good organizational skills

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team

Required Application Materials

1. A 1–2-page cover letter that describes your interest in this position, expertise and skillset

2. Your CV including education, research positions and list of publications

3. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for two professional references

Special Instructions

This is a fixed term position funded initially for one year from the hire date, with a possible extension up to four-years contingent upon funding and on the outcome of annual performance.

For more information, please contact Dr. Aleksandra Skirycz (skirycza@msu.edu) with the subject line " Questions about Post-doctoral Position 2024 ".

Review of Applications Begins On

07/01/2024

Website

https://askiryczlab.org/

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.

Advertised: Jun 19, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time