Job Information
Michigan State University Research Associate-Fixed Term in East Lansing, Michigan
Job postings
Research Associate-Fixed Term
Back to search results Apply now Job no: 954560
Work type: Faculty/Academic Staff
Major Administrative Unit / College:College Of Natural Science
Department:Integrative Biology 10032920
Sub Area:FAS- Fac./Acad Staff
Salary:Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Research/Scientific, Fixed Term Academic Staff, Full Time (90-100%), Non-Union, Remote-Friendly
Position Summary
The lab of Dr. Grace Smith-Vidaurre at Michigan State University is hiring a postdoctoral research associate. The research associate will lead or contribute to several projects that include modeling experiments to simulate social and signaling systems, as well as behavioral experiments in parrots and songbirds. They will be expected to lead the preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication, and to prepare and deliver scientific presentations at local, national, and international conferences. The research associate will also be expected to collaborate with other members of the lab, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and participate in lab meetings. In addition to contributing to the lab’s research, the research associate will be encouraged to engage in regular discussions with Dr. Grace Smith-Vidaurre about how to continue developing their independent research program for academic or non-academic careers. This is a hybrid position such that the research associate will primarily work remotely but will be expected to visit the lab periodically in person as well as an external site for short research trips.
General research in the Smith-Vidaurre Lab focuses on how socially learned vocalizations are used to communicate identity information, and how brain regions for producing learned vocalizations may be sensitive to the early-life environment. The lab is part of the Department of Integrative Biology and the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering. We expect that lab members will contribute to creating and maintaining a collaborative interdisciplinary work culture. We are committed to building an inclusive work environment and creating equitable access to research opportunities for a diverse group of scientists at different career stages. The Smith-Vidaurre Lab is also committed to supporting lab members with opportunities for intellectual growth and professional development towards their academic or non-academic career goals.
Responsibilities of the research associate may include, but are not limited to:
Leading the writing and preparation of manuscripts for peer-reviewed publication
Designing and implementing inferential statistics pipelines to analyze bioacoustics and behavioral datasets
Contributing to modeling experiments with simulated acoustic datasets and agent-based models
Leading behavioral experiments and acoustic data collection with monk parakeets at an external research site
Leading behavioral experiments and acoustic data collection with a local colony of songbirds on campus
Working collaboratively with graduate students, research technicians, and undergraduate students in the lab to write manuscripts and create scientific talks or posters
Visiting the lab in-person for short periods of time
Assisting with generating pilot data and results for grant proposals, as well as helping to review grant proposals
Helping to train and mentor graduate and undergraduate students or other lab members on animal behavior experiments, data analysis, inferential statistics, manuscript writing, and professional development
The research associate will be trained on computational skills needed to analyze empirical or simulated bioacoustics datasets and will be expected to continue learning independently throughout their time in the lab.
Duration: The position will begin in summer 2024 and the exact start date is negotiable. The position is for one year, with the possibility of extension to a second year depending on both job performance and funding availability.
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 -Biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field
Minimum Requirements
PhD in biology, ecology, evolution, or a related field
Experience designing and performing experiments with animals, as well as handling birds
Experience analyzing animal behavior datasets
Experience with one or more relevant programming languages, ideally R
Record of publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Record of productive collaborations and mentoring efforts
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Strong curiosity, creativity, personal motivation, and a willingness to learn and grow independently
Strong problem-solving as well as oral and written communication skills
Commitment to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative work environment
Desired Qualifications
Experience analyzing bioacoustics datasets
Experience working with Git or other version control platforms
Expertise with machine learning and AI
Experience with Bayesian statistical methods
Expertise with NetLogo and building agent-based models
Required Application Materials
To apply: Please send the following information to the Smith-Vidaurre Lab (smithvidaurrelab@gmail.com) with the subject line " Postdoctoral Research Associate 2024 " :
A 1-2 page cover letter that describes your interest in this position, your relevant skillset, and how your past research and professional experiences make you an excellent fit for this position
Your CV with a list of all of your peer-reviewed publications, and a link to your Google Scholar profile
Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for three professional references
For more information, please contact Dr. Grace Smith-Vidaurre (smithvid@msu.edu) with the subject line " Questions about Postdoctoral Research Associate 2024 ".
Remote Work Statement
MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.
Website
integrativebiology.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.
Advertised: May 22, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time