Research Associate, Research Scientist, Biology

Position Summary

The lab of Fredric Janzen (http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).) is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join us at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), Michigan State University (http://). The Janzen Lab leverages long‑term population monitoring and expertise in theoretical modeling, quantitative genetics, and experimentation to understand the evolution ecology of a classic polyphenism – temperature‑dependent sex determination (TSD) – that occurs in many reptiles.

In doing so, we also gain insight into phenotypic plasticity relevant to responses of imperiled taxa to anthropogenic habitat/climate change. We seek an experimental molecular biologist to work on collaborative projects exploring TSD as a model for developmental phenotypic plasticity.

The successful candidate will work collaboratively with the PI and lab team to develop a research program that integrates “omics‑level” analyses with existing expertise to evaluate the evolutionary dynamics of TSD within and across reptile species with differing patterns of sex‑ratio response to developmental temperatures. Available lab resources include long‑term data and tissues from a wild pedigreed population of turtles with TSD, as well as comparable resources from geographically distant populations.

The research could thus include comparisons among years within populations (including across generations), across populations within species, as well as across species, to clarify proximate and ultimate mechanisms underlying observed plasticity in thermal reaction norms in reptiles with TSD.

The post‑doctoral mentoring philosophy includes providing (1) opportunities for professional development and mentoring of student scholars, (2) time for independent project development, and (3) resources for outreach and activities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM. The successful applicant will be based at KBS, which hosts a vibrant group of resident faculty, post‑docs, and graduate students along with multiple modern shared‑use facilities, including a Molecular Ecology and Genomics (MEG) Lab, Pond Lab (experimental ponds, mesocosms, etc.),

and Boathouse Research Facility (cutting‑edge programmable walk‑in environmental chambers and incubators). Opportunities for collaboration with MSU campus and other institutions are also available.

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 – Ecology, Evolution, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology or a related field.

Minimum Requirements: A PhD degree in Ecology, Evolution, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology or a related field.

• Demonstrated scholarly excellence.
• Relevant bench skills – wet lab/molecular biology experience, preparation of high‑throughput sequencing libraries, bioinformatics capability related to “omics” data.
• A strong desire to advance our conceptual understanding of phenotypic plasticity, including polyphenisms.

Fred Janzen – janzenf1
Anne Bronikowski – abroniko