The Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology at Michigan State University (MSU) seeks mid-career applicants for a tenure-stream position at the Associate or Full Professor level focusing on the biochemistry and engineering of plant metabolism. Of particular interest are pathways and metabolites with long-term potential for medical, industrial, or agricultural applications. Candidates are expected to have an established research program and strong publication record supported by competitive external funding. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated ability to integrate genomics, genetics, biochemistry, spectroscopic and transgenic approaches in their research. Evidence of interdisciplinary research across divergent fields is highly desirable.

MSU offers a vibrant, collegial, and collaborative environment with strengths in biochemistry and a history of leadership in mass spectrometry. The university is specifically interested in applicants who are eager to lead research that complement initiatives in biomedicine, plant sciences, and environmental sciences. Outstanding opportunities for collaboration are available with faculty in the Colleges of Human Medicine, Natural Science, Veterinary Medicine, the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan AgBioResearch, the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center, the Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering (IQ), Institute for Integrative Toxicology and Plant Resilience Institute.

The MSU Research Technology Support Facility (https://rtsf.natsci.msu.edu/) provides technical and analytical support for biomedical and agricultural research at Michigan State University. The Genomics Core provides single-gene to genomic-scale DNA sequencing services, DNA fingerprinting and genotyping, and quantitative PCR. The Proteomics Core offers high-throughput mass spectral protein identification and quantification with cutting-edge mass spectrometry equipment. The Mass Spectrometry Core uses an array of mass spectral techniques for small molecule identification and metabolomics. The Bioinformatics Core assists in the computational analysis and presentation of genomic, proteomic and other complex datasets. The MSU Center for Advanced Microscopy, has scanning electron microscopes, transmission electron microscopes, and several confocal laser scanning microscopes (http://www.cam.msu.edu). A new Cryo-EM facility is equipped for delivering high-resolution 3D characterization of biological samples (https://cryo-em.natsci.msu.edu/). Extensive growth chamber facilities and greenhouse space are administered by RTSF as a campus-wide pool.

Applicants must have a PhD in Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field of research and postdoctoral research experience. Applications should include 1) a cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, 3) a statement of past research accomplishments and future research plans (up to 5 pages), 4) a statement of teaching and mentoring experience and philosophy (up to 2 pages), and 5) letters of references from three referees. Applicants should include expressions of their interests or efforts in furthering diversity and inclusion within the context of both their research and teaching statements (e.g. , through mentoring, pedagogy, outreach, etc.). Application materials should be submitted as a single PDF file through the MSU applicant page at https://jobs.msu.edu (position # 836820: https://careers.msu.edu/en-us/job/836820). Questions regarding this position should be directed to the chair of the search committee, Christoph Benning (benning@msu.edu). Consideration of applications will begin on February 10, 2023.