Research Associate, Research Scientist

Research Associate-Fixed Term

The Haus Lab in the Department of Horticulture at Michigan State University is hiring a postdoctoral research associate to lead a new organic dry bean research identifying major limitations of organic dry bean production at various stages and developing improved management practices. Organic dry beans are an important source of plant-based iron and protein, but production is limited by a number of environmental stressors.

Our projects aim to mitigate production losses using inherent, but poorly understood plant traits. The successful candidate will lead research projects using fundamental, applied, and extension approaches. The successful applicant should also have strong writing and communication skills and be able to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary research team.

Completion of a PhD degree program in Plant Science, Horticulture, or other closely related field; related work experience performing basic research techniques specific to the area of research employment such as: field research, farmer surveys, disease evaluation, plant hybridizations, microscopy, seed nutrition, root architecture, or image analysis. Training is available on site.

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.

Doctorate
-Plant Science or closely related field

Doctorate in plant science or closely related field

Expertise or proficiency in:

• Plant breeding and genetics
• Production of organic or sustainable dry beans
• Evaluation of end use quality traits
• Identification and evaluation of dry bean disease
• Extension/outreach with growers
• Plant and seed nutrition

Ability to work both independently and within a team

Eagerness to learn and tackle new problems

Curriculum Vitae

Cover Letter

A letter of interest describing research experience and interests (2-page max).

Contact information for three professional references

Lifting at most 4 hours a day for 2-4 weeks during field season, otherwise sporadically no more than 40 lbs. Pushing/pulling a cart occasionally no more than 700 feet with a load no more than 200 lbs.

Occasional driving of university vehicles that do not require a commercial driver's license. Working in noisy areas, exposure to chemicals used in a basic traditional molecular biology laboratory.