Research Associate-Fixed Term

Join the Plant Resilience Institute at Michigan State University as a Research Associate–Fixed Term in East Lansing, Ingham County. This full-time position offers the opportunity to advance crop resilience research through computational analysis and data science, working alongside a collaborative interdisciplinary team dedicated to understanding how environmental factors shape crop performance and yield outcomes.

About the Role

This Research Associate–Fixed Term role is based at the Plant Resilience Institute, where you'll contribute to groundbreaking work in agricultural resilience. You'll apply your computational expertise to analyze complex environmental and agronomic datasets, translating field observations and measurements into actionable insights about what drives crop resilience under varying environmental conditions.

What You'll Do

• Conduct computational and statistical analyses of environmental monitoring data collected from field research sites
• Integrate quantitative trait datasets with environmental parameters to identify causal relationships affecting crop resilience
• Develop data processing pipelines and visualization tools for large-scale agricultural and environmental datasets
• Support experimental design and hypothesis testing for crop resilience studies
• Collaborate with plant scientists, field researchers, and computational team members across disciplines
• Document analytical methods, findings, and workflows to support publication and research reproducibility

What We're Looking For

• Postdoctoral-level training or equivalent advanced experience in plant science, agricultural science, computational biology, environmental science, data science, or related field
• Strong proficiency with statistical programming languages such as Python or R
• Hands-on experience analyzing large environmental or agricultural datasets
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex data findings to diverse scientific audiences
• Strong collaborative skills and ability to thrive in interdisciplinary research environments
• Commitment to research integrity, reproducibility, and attention to analytical detail

About the Plant Resilience Institute

The Plant Resilience Institute at Michigan State University advances scientific understanding of how plants and crops respond to environmental stress and changing conditions. Our research generates knowledge that improves agricultural sustainability and food security by uncovering the biological and environmental foundations of crop resilience.

How to Apply

To apply for this Research Associate–Fixed Term position, submit your application through the job listing. Include your resume, cover letter, and references to any relevant research or portfolio work.