Working/Functional Title

Assistant/Associate/Full Professor Tenure System

Position Summary

The Department of Plant Biology, jointly with the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Horticulture, and Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences at Michigan State University invites applications from outstanding candidates for an open-rank position in the broad area of plant developmental biology.

With our desire to further diversify our community, we particularly encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.  Special consideration will be given to candidates with research foci that connect multiple scales of biological organization in an agricultural and/or natural system, address basic and/or applied grand-challenge problems in plant sciences, and employ state-of-the-art interdisciplinary approaches. This position will be appointed in the Department of Plant Biology and, if appropriate, jointly with one or more of the other three departments. In addition to developing a nationally recognized, externally funded research program, the successful candidate will be expected to contribute high-quality teaching and service/outreach.  Meeting the position's research expectations will require obtaining external funding and publishing peer-reviewed papers in national and international journals and/or conference proceedings. Teaching may include one undergraduate or graduate course per year as well as graduate and postdoctoral training. Service will include participation in campus and national/international programs. In addition, the successful candidate will contribute to the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the plant science community on campus. The anticipated start date is August 16, 2023.

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 -Biological Science or other fields

Minimum Requirements

A Ph.D. is required prior to the start of employment. Research experience in plant developmental biology is also required. More details are provided in the required application materials section.

Required Application Materials

Applications should be submitted to the MSU Human Resources site at https://jobs.msu.edu. Review of applications will begin November 1, 2022 and continue until a suitable candidate is identified. While reference letters will not be solicited for the initial evaluation of candidates, applicants should ensure that letters would be submitted promptly upon request. Questions can be emailed to Dr. Shin-Han Shiu, search committee chair, at

Together-we-will Statement

The university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/{target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"}

Special Instructions

To apply, applicants should prepare a SINGLE PDF containing:

Cover letter: One page that frames the application in the context of this position at Michigan State University

CV: Including a list of publications, accepted proposals for funding or other resources, contributed or invited presentations, teaching and mentoring experiences, leadership positions, contributions to the academic community, awards and recognitions, public outreach efforts, and any efforts in enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion. The CV should also include the names and email contact information for four individuals who can provide reference letters. At least one of the letters must sp