Research Associate, Research Scientist, Biology

Research Associate-Fixed Term

The lab of Fredric Janzen is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join us at the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS), Michigan State University. 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 so doing, 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.

Doctorate
-Ecology, Evolution, Wildlife Biology, Conservation Biology or a related field

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 – and a strong desire to advance our conceptual understanding of phenotypic plasticity, including polyphenisms.

Informal inquiries are encouraged prior to formal application. For formal application, please submit a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, a brief statement of research experiences/interests that incorporates efforts in DEI, and names and contact information for three references. Please contact Fred Janzen or Anne Bronikowski if you have any questions about these postdoctoral positions.

Review of applications begins on 01/15/2025.