Position Summary

We seek to recruit a highly motivated and skilled postdoctoral researcher to investigate how nematodes respond to chemical and environmental cues, with the goal of advancing plant resilience through improved understanding of plant-nematode interactions and stress tolerance mechanisms.

This position supports two research initiatives. In collaboration with researchers from Center for Sustainable Plant Innovation and Resilience through International Teamwork  (C-SPIRIT), the successful candidate will investigate the effects of plant-derived compounds on nematode physiology, behavior, and survival, with the goal of discovering natural products that protect crops from parasitic nematodes such as root-knot nematodes. A second focus will be on understanding the molecular mechanisms of desiccation tolerance in the model nematode C. elegans, particularly in the dauer stage, in partnership with the Water and Life Interface Institute (WALII).

The postdoctoral researcher will be based in the Rhee Lab and will work closely with MSU nematode experts and international partners.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute experiments to evaluate the impact of plant-derived metabolites on nematode survival, stress responses, and behavior

• Apply microscopy, genetics, and physiology techniques to investigate desiccation tolerance mechanisms in nematodes, focusing on dauer formation and recovery 
• Leading research independently, preparing publications, and presenting research in scientific meetings. 

Minimum Requirements

• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cell Biology, or a related field by the time of appointment

• Proven experience working with C. elegans or other nematode models

• Strong communication, organizational, and team collaboration skills

About Plant Resilience Institute at Michigan State University

The Plant Resilience Institute (PRI) at Michigan State University (MSU) is a world-leading interdisciplinary research center dedicated to understanding and enhancing plant resilience in a rapidly changing global environment. Established in 2016 as part of MSU’s Global Impact Initiative, PRI brings together faculty, researchers, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and technical staff from diverse disciplines—including genetics, genomics, physiology, ecology, computational biology, microbiology, and environmental science—to address fundamental and applied challenges in plant science.

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