"Research Associate-Fixed Term"

Position Summary

The Barrick lab (barricklab.org) at Michigan State University is seeking a Research Associate (Postdoc) to work on projects involving understanding how microbes naturally found in the honey bee gut can be used to support pollinator health and improve agricultural resilience. This position will primarily focus on: (1) testing new ways of genetically engineering new functions into bee gut symbionts to protect hives from parasites, pathogens, and stresses; and (2) developing methods to track and control how genetically engineered DNA and microbes are transmitted within hives. This work will include opportunities for performing self-directed projects involving microbial genomics and synthetic biology, applied microbial evolution and ecology, and insect paratransgenesis.

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

Minimum Requirements

Ph.D. in Microbiology, Entomology, Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology, Systems Biology or related field.

Desired Qualifications

Desired qualifications include experience characterizing insect symbionts and microbiomes, using DNA sequencing (e.g., metagenomic community profiling), microscopy (e.g., fluorescent in situ hybridization), and systems biology methods (e.g., metabolomics, RNA-seq). Priority will be given to candidates with demonstrated expertise in team science, DNA assembly and cloning, molecular microbiology, insect rearing and colonization, bioinformatics, and statistics.

Required Application Materials

Please submit a cover letter describing your background, research skills and career goals, a CV, and contact information for three references.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/15/2025

Summary of Health Risks

Health Risks include allergic reactions to honeybee stings and the use of compressed gas canisters.

Website

https://mgi.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.