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Position Summary

A postdoctoral opportunity is now available in the MSU Electric Fish Laboratory in the Department of Integrative Biology at Michigan State University (http://efish.integrativebiology.msu.edu). For the past several years, The MSU Electric Fish Lab has endeavored to establish weakly electric fish as a model system for genotype-to-phenotype studies through genome and transcriptome sequencing and the development of functional genomics tools.  Our team is now seeking motivated, creative, question-driven postdoctoral researchers to leverage these tools to examine the numerous convergently evolved traits of weakly electric fish.  This position is ideal for a candidate with a strong genomics skillset wishing to address their own research question using the weakly electric fish model system.  Aside from an annual salary of $60,000 plus healthcare benefits, the laboratory will provide access to equipment, materials, reagents to develop a proposed project with the goal of securing extramural funding.

This position is available as of August 2022 but start dates are negotiable.  The position will remain open until filled.  Appointment for this position will be initially for 12 months, renewable for an additional year contingent on satisfactory progress of the successful applicant based on duties described below.

The successful applicant will be responsible for developing a proposed research project leveraging the weakly electric fish system with a strong bioinformatics and/or functional genomics component.  Work will require the development of new research methodologies and tools, design and execution of publishable studies, and co-authoring a grant proposal.  In addition, successful applicants will be responsible for mentoring undergraduate, graduate students, as well as contributing to the overall research environment of the University through the MSU Program in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology (http://eeb.msu.edu).

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 -Biology, evolution, bioinformatics, genetics or related field

Minimum Requirements

Required qualifications: Ph.D. or equivalent degree in biology, evolution, bioinformatics, genetics or related field at time of appointment. Publication of work based on Ph.D. thesis is required, as well as prior teaching or research mentoring experience.  A key criterion for selection will be a strong research question in weakly electric fish demonstrated in their application.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with genomics, transcriptomics, or functional genomics.

Required Application Materials

1. Cover letter which describing past research accomplishments and future research goals.
2. An updated CV
3. A 1-2 page project proposal written outlining a) overall research question and significance, b) a brief description of methods and resources needed c) potential pitfalls, and d) strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion through the proposed work.  References can be included as additional pages beyond the 1–2 page limit.
4. A list of 3 references with email and telephone numbers
5. One representative publication from prior work.

Together-we-will Statement

Special Instructions

Interested candidates, particularly international scholars and those without prior experience working with weakly electric fish are encouraged to contact Dr. Jason Gallant, Principal Investigator of the MSU Electric Fish Lab at: jgallant@msu.edu to discuss potential ideas for their proposal.

Review of Applications Begins On

07/01/2022

Website

https://integrativebiology.natsci.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

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About Michigan State University

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