Postdoctoral Scholar-Fixed Term

Position Summary

We seek a motivated candidate to join our lab to maximize switchgrass productivity. The research will focus on determining the physiological and genetic mechanisms of switchgrass overwinter survival, as well as optimizing switchgrass yields and biomass quality. The postdoctoral researcher will accomplish the above goals through collecting and analyzing switchgrass multi-omics and trait data with computational approaches, particularly machine learning and related artificial intelligence (AI) methods to establish trait prediction models. In addition, the postdoctoral scholar will interpret the modeling results with explainable AI to identify underlying genetic mechanisms and candidate genes important for switchgrass resilience, biomass, and yields.

Job responsibilities

The candidate will be responsible to:

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

Terminal -PhD in plant computational biology or closely related field.

Minimum Requirements

• PhD in plant computational biology or closely related field.
• Demonstrated research experiences in plant computational biology and the use of machine learning and related AI approaches, particularly explainable AI
• Strong written and oral communication skills to collaborate and communicate effectively with a team of researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds.
• Publications demonstrating expertise in plant computational biology
• Publications demonstrating the use of machine learning and related AI approaches, particularly explainable AI
• Publications demonstrating experiences in analyzing multi-omics data and their integration

Required Application Materials

A current CV, cover letter/letter of interest (2 pages max), and contact details for 3 professional references.

Special Instructions

At GLBRC, we strive to provide holistic and well-rounded experience to our postdoctoral researchers, and we recognize the importance of supporting their professional development needs to ensure their successful transition to the career of their choosing. To complement the scientific training received in their lab, postdocs at GLBRC can:

• Attend and present at scientific research symposiums and/or conferences.
• Access cross-discipline research environments and training opportunities within GLBRC and cross-BRCs.
• Benefit from integrated career and professional development support.
• Participate in Outreach and Community Engagement opportunities.

Review of Applications Begins On

03/16/2026

Website

https://www.glbrc.org/

Department Statement

Within the DOE-funded Bioenergy Research Centers (BRCs) program, GLBRC collaborates with three other BRCs, each led by a DOE National Laboratory or a top university. Interactions between the centers help forge strong partnerships within the bioenergy research community in the U.S. and abroad, as well as with industry and government partners.

GLBRC is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that welcomes and supports everyone. We believe that a diverse research community is a prerequisite to conducting the foundational innovation necessary to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who foster and promote these values.

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.