Research Associate in Computational Biology and Data Analytics

Position Summary

The laboratories of Drs. Lundquist, Thompson, and Grotewold at Michigan State University are hiring a post-doctoral Research Associate with a strong background in computational biology and data analytics to work jointly on two related research projects involving large-scale biology studies of maize. The projects seek to integrate complex molecular, biochemical, and spectral datasets to understand how various maize genotypes respond to application of managed variables to promote growth and stress resilience. The incumbent will be responsible for the organization and analysis of multiple datasets generated over the course of the research projects with the opportunity to devise novel computational tools to facilitate efficient and accurate analysis.

Description of duties:

Duties of the candidate will include analysis of diverse large-scale datasets including RNA-seq, metabolomics, geospatial imagery, hyperspectral reflectance/transmittance, and physiological agronomic observations. The candidate will be responsible for analyzing the datasets, including developing and testing models for prediction and classification to related data types, and performing appropriate statistical tests. It is also expected that the candidate will be able to understand the underlying biology behind the data to ask new questions.

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, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Computer science, data analysis, genetics, or biologically-oriented field

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in computer science, data analysis, genetics, or biologically-oriented field
• Demonstrated familiarity with computer programming languages such as Python
• Demonstrated familiarity with R or other biostatistical software

Desired Qualifications

• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Experience with plant genetics/biology/physiology is highly desired but not essential
• Experience with geospatial software, image analysis, and feature extraction is highly desired but not essential

Required Application Materials

• Cover Letter outlining qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• List of minimum 3 professional references with contact info

Review of Applications Begins On

01/11/2021

Website

https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/

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.