Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

This full-time post-doctoral researcher will coordinate on-farm research and outreach/extension for a competitively-funded project involving 19 states. The project seeks to quantify resilience of diverse, perennial, circular forage systems to environmental, economic, and social stressors using on-farm data collected across the US. 

The successful candidate will work with the multi-state agronomic research team to collect and analyze survey and soil sample data quantifying farm productivity, profitability, and soil health. The candidate will also work with graduate students conducting small plot research on crop resilience. The candidate is expected to publish on the impact of project initiatives in peer-reviewed journals as well as translate findings into extension publications for farmers, policymakers, and the public. 

The position is for one year with a possibility of a renewal on per annual basis contingent upon satisfactory performance and candidate successfully obtaining additional funding related to the topic

Starting date is August 2025 or as soon as possible. 

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 -Agricultural Sciences or Related

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in an agricultural or environmental science, extension education, rural sociology, and/or a similar field
• Possess a practical knowledge of agricultural systems. 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with on-farm research and working with variety of teams of academics and farmers to analyze complex multi-variate data.
• Demonstrated creativity, independence, leadership, and excellent communication skills in written, oral, and social media
• Effectively translate science into accessible media with measurable impact for the lay public
• A track record of publication in quality peer-reviewed journals as well as outreach or extension publications 

Required Application Materials

• A cover letter (1-2 pages) highlighting how past experience and academic training align with the position
• A curriculum vitae including a list of all peer-reviewed publications, trade publications, and scientific presentations
• Names and Contact information for 3 professional references
• A pdf of one published peer-reviewed manuscript where the applicant is the first author
• undergraduate and graduate transcripts listing the courses taken and grades received (does not have to be official)

Special Instructions

For additional information on position please contact Kim Cassida (

cassida@msu.edu

Review of Applications Begins On

07/30/2025

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/

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.