Research Associate, Research Scientist, Biology

Research Associate-Fixed Term

Fisheries And Wildlife

Faculty/Academic Staff

East Lansing, Michigan, United States

Fisheries And Wildlife

Area of Interest:
Research/Scientific

Full Time/Part Time:
Full Time (90-100%)

Group:
Fixed Term Academic Staff

Union/Non-Union:
Non-Union

Opening on:
Dec 4 2025

Closing at:
Dec 4 2027 - 16:45 EST

60000.00

College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources

1097340

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.

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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

04/15/2026

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