Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Research Assistant II in East Lansing, Michigan
Position Summary
The Department of Forestry at Michigan State University is seeking an outstanding Forest Genetics Research Manager to oversee all phases of research on Michigan forest genetics and tree improvement. The successful applicant will participate in the development and implementation of study plans for the improvement, propagation, and deployment of improved Michigan forest species in both natural and managed stands. Breeding goals include mitigating effects of climate on seedling survival, tree growth, long-term survival, reproductive output, resistance to pests and pathogens, as well as identifying adaptive traits and genotypes for use in assisted migration and forest management. Additionally, the Forest Genetics Research Manager will work as part of the Forest Genetics Lab to explore marker assisted selection and genomic approaches to aid in predicting (mal)adaptation across species' ranges. The position benefits from the long-term partnership between MSU and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources through the Michigan Cooperative Tree Improvement Program. The position holds the potential for extending research in new directions and to collaboratively pursue additional research funding. MSU's strengths in forest genetics and genomics provide a collaborative environment that supports success.
- []{#_Hlk157149198}25% - Oversee the maintenance of shared laboratory, greenhouse, nursery, and trial spaces. Including, mowing, spraying, and minor repairs.
- 25% - Oversee the planning and preparation of sites for future forest genetics studies and aid in the evaluation and management of existing trials and study sites.
- 25% - Responsible for plantation design, plantation establishment, field collections, and compiling and analysis of data from complex experiments involving tree growth and improvement, seedling production, disease and pest resistance, nursery practices, and plant propagation.
- 15% - Coordinates and cooperates with geneticists and others to create and analyze populations for breeding goals and coordinates the distribution of improved materials as needed.
- 10% - Contribute to authorship / co-authorship of publications based on existing and new data as appropriate.
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in forestry, plant breeding, genetics, or closely related field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in forest genetics, tree improvement, and plant propagation; familiarity with R or other closely related programing language; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position requires the candidate to acquire a pesticide application certification within the first year.
Desired Qualifications
The preferred candidate will have an earned MS in Forestry, Plant Breeding, Genetics, or a closely related field, documented ability to bring projects to completion, evidence of effective independent and collaborative work, strong skills in written and verbal communication, and experience in managing personnel and projects.
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 Application Materials
For consideration, upload the following required documents: 1) a letter of interest detailing qualifi