Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Burt Lab at Michigan State University is recruiting a post-doctoral scholar to support NIH-funded research under the supervision of Principal Investigator, Dr. S. Alexandra Burt. Research on this project is focused on developing and implementing quantitative models to document the effects of mtDNA on various health and aging outcomes. The Contributions of Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to Alzheimer’s Disease project is a large-scale research study funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and National Institute of Aging that utilizes the Utah Population Database to analyze records to examine the effect of mtDNA on Alzheimer’s Disease and aging outcomes. The Research Associate will lead data analysis and write-up activities, and provide support for other’s work with as well (with authorship). General responsibilities will include: analyzing study data for research papers and grant applications; training and supervising graduate and undergraduate research assistants on data management procedures; and consulting with the PI team and project staff. In addition, this position will be involved with other ongoing NIH-funded projects in the lab centered on neighborhood effects on children’s development, as well as weekly lab and individual meetings. Competitive applications will have a background in quantitative genetics or related discipline as well as advanced statistical expertise (e.g., Structural Equation Modeling, Advanced Twin Modeling, sparse matrices, among others). The Research Associate will have the opportunity to conduct analyses, lead publications and presentations, and mentor students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as apply for external funding. Candidates will be joining a cohesive lab including staff, undergraduate research assistants, and graduate students who all work closely together. The successful candidate should demonstrate a commitment to supporting an inclusive and diverse lab environment, ability to work collaboratively as part of a team as well as independently.

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 -Statistics, Genetics, or related field.

Minimum Requirements

Applicant should have a PhD in statistics, genetics, or related field by date of hire and should have expertise in conducting big data analyses (with more than a million participants) and quantitative genetic methods. Applicants should further demonstrate a commitment to supporting an inclusive, diverse, and collaborative environment.

Desired Qualifications

Experience with computer programming, data analysis, and database administration in an academic research setting; data programming skills (e.g., R); familiarity with database management systems (e.g., Microsoft Excel and Access); version control (e.g., GitHub); strong verbal and written communication skills; excellent organizational skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Required Application Materials

CV and Cover Letter

Review of Applications Begins On

09/03/2024

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.

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.