Job no: 821177
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Plant Soil And Microbial Sciences 40000781
Sub Area: FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Agriculture, Research/Scientific, Tenure System Faculty, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union
Working/Functional Title

Assistant Professor- Host Pathogen Interactions

Position Summary

Successful candidates are expected to develop a vigorous and nationally/internationally recognized research program focused on hosts and/or pathogens and their interactions using advanced ‘multi-omic’ and integrated approaches. Potential research areas may include a focus on microbial populations, host resistance, effector biology and the evolution of pathogens and their hosts in response to changing environments and management. Research will contribute to programs that integrate faculty within the plant pathology program as well as across the microbiological, plant biology, ecological and evolutionary disciplines to address the interactions and functions of microorganisms with plants.

Researchers pursuing questions in diverse pathosystems will be considered, and we especially encourage applications from researchers who address basic and/or applied questions in systems relevant to ecosystems and non-model plant systems in managed environments or natural ecosystems. The candidates should, ideally, have interest and the ability to work in interdisciplinary teams. Candidates that integrate both pathogen and host biology in their research program will be considered favorably.

The successful candidate will be responsible for teaching graduate course(s) related to their field of study in plant pathology and will develop and/or contribute to an undergraduate course, also in their area of expertise. Example courses would include host-pathogen interactions, epidemiology, and physiological plant pathology.

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 -Microbiology

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must have an earned doctorate in microbiology, plant pathology, molecular plant biology, plant-microbial sciences, or a closely related field, and show evidence of excellence in research and teaching through scholarly activities.

Desired Qualifications

Post-doctoral research experience or equivalent is preferable. Candidates should have a strong research record and an interest in multidisciplinary research. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong commitment to teaching and graduate education as well as illustrate how they have contributed to diversity, equity and inclusion goals. There should be a demonstrated potential to obtain competitive external grants in support of research and/or educational programs and experiential teaching. Successful candidates are expected to have strong communication skills.

Required Application Materials

a) letter of interest that includes qualifications for the position; b) current curriculum vitae; c) statement of research and teaching philosophy that highlights your experience and alignment with our qualifications (2‐page maximum); d) a description of how you will contribute to our diversity, equity and inclusion goals (2-page maximum); and d) contact information for three professional references. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Together-we-will StatementThe university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/Special Instructions

The search committee will begin reviewing applications on December 14, and continue until a suitable candidate is selected.

Questions regarding this position can be addressed to the Search Committee Chair: George Sundin, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA, sundin@msu.edu, 517-355-4573.

Review of Applications Begins On

12/14/2022

Website

psm.msu.edu

Department Statement

The Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial (PSM) Sciences is an internationally recognized department of more than 70 faculty members, with diverse interests spanning applied and fundamental research across agricultural systems and natural resources. Embedded within PSM, the Plant Pathology graduate program currently consists of 16 faculty, 38 graduate students and 22 postdoctoral research associates. PSM faculty collaborations include the Kellogg Biological Station Long-Term Ecological Research site, Kellogg Biological Station Long-Term Agricultural Research site, the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, the BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, and the Michigan State Center for Microbial Ecology. Access to diverse and state-of-the-art research support is available through our Research Technology and Support Core Facilities in Genomics, Metabolomics, Microscopy, Mass Spectroscopy, and Flow Cytometry, and world-class computing resources are available through the Michigan State Institute for Cyber-Enabled Research.

Location: The position will be based at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan State University (MSU) is one of the top research universities in the world and home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs. MSU is a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, and scientists that provide regional, national, and international leadership in basic and applied research and excellence in teaching. In addition, consistent with its Land Grant origins, the MSU community pursues international engagement and provides strong extension programs that partner with diverse stakeholders to provide much needed research in the areas of food, energy, water and the environment. MSU enjoys a park‐like campus with outlying research facilities and natural areas. The campus is located in the city of East Lansing, adjacent to the capital city of Lansing. The Lansing metropolitan area has a diverse population of >500,000. Local communities have excellent school systems and place a high value on education. The University is proactive about its obligations under the ADA, and provides individual accessibility plans to students and employees with disabilities. Michigan State University is also proactive in exploring opportunities for employment for dual career families, both inside and outside the University, and respects all family forms. Information about MSU’s dual career support can be found at http://miwin.msu.edu/. Information about WorkLife at MSU can be found at http://worklife.msu.edu/

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University is committed to achieving excellence by creating and sustaining an accessible and inclusive culture that values cultural and academic diversity. We are an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. The CANR is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that academic excellence is achieved through open access and proactive inclusion. Candidates are invited to view the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences community norms and DEI initiatives at https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/about_psm/Diversity-Equity-and-Inclusion/.

Salary and Benefits: Salary will be commensurate with qualifications. MSU offers a generous benefits package (details at https://hr.msu.edu/benefits/index.html).

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Oct 18, 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 18, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time