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United States Postdoctoral Fully Funded

Michigan State University Postdoctoral Fellowships 2025: Multiple Research Positions

Michigan State University has opened applications for numerous postdoctoral research positions across diverse disciplines including microbiology, biosystems engineering, horticulture, mathematics, and packaging. These positions offer competitive funding with durations ranging from one to three years, with several offering renewal possibilities based on performance.

October 14, 2026

Quick Overview

Host CountryUnited States
University/OrgMichigan State University
Degree LevelPostdoctoral
Funding TypeFully Funded
Fields of StudyAgricultural Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Biosystems Engineering, Immunology, Microbiology

Scholarship Overview

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Overview of Michigan State University Postdoctoral Opportunities

Michigan State University (MSU) in East Lansing, Michigan, has announced multiple postdoctoral research positions across various departments. These opportunities are available immediately or with flexible start dates, making them accessible to recent PhD graduates and experienced researchers alike. For African scholars, particularly those from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, these positions represent significant pathways to advance research careers in internationally competitive environments.

The positions span cutting-edge research areas including artificial intelligence, climate science, genomic biology, computational mathematics, and sustainable packaging. Most positions carry guaranteed funding for one to three years, with several offering extension possibilities contingent upon satisfactory performance and funding availability.

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Available Postdoctoral Positions

1. Microbiology & Immunology – Wolbachia-Malaria Research

Dr. Zhiyong Xi’s laboratory in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology seeks a Research Associate to study artificial symbiosis between the endosymbiotic bacterium Wolbachia and Anopheles malaria vectors. This position offers three years of guaranteed funding with possible extension.

2. Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering – Climate-Smart AI Systems

The Climate-Smart Decision Support Systems Group recruits candidates with strong AI/ML backgrounds and lab management experience to develop climate-smart decision support systems.

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3. Horticulture – Plant Genomics & Bioinformatics

The Edger Lab requires expertise in Camelina sativa (false flax) and Fragaria sp. (strawberry), including molecular biology, tissue culture techniques, bioinformatics, and genomic analyses.

4. Mathematics – Mathematical Biology & Computational Topology

Multiple positions available with open starting dates from December 1, 2024, to August 16, 2025. These are one-year, benefits-eligible positions potentially renewable annually.

5. High Performance Computing & Machine Learning – HighZ Center

The Center for High Order Plasma Turbulence Modeling for Z-Pinch (HighZ), a DOE PSAAP and FIC center, seeks researchers in high performance computing and machine learning for plasma modeling.

6. School of Packaging – Paper Coating Research

1-2 positions available for candidates with expertise in developing paper coatings for packaging, paper recycling, and performance analysis. Reporting to Dr. Rabnawaz.

7. Hydrological & Hydrodynamic Modeling

Focus on CaMa-Flood with dams, coastal hydrodynamics models (FVCOM), and integrating land surface models (CLM) with nutrient cycling, hydropower, irrigation, and groundwater pumping considerations.

8. Physics & Astronomy – Ultrafast Science

Position under Prof. Chong-Yu Ruan for up to two years, with renewal potential based on new funding availability.

9. Operations & Supply Chain Management – Food Supply Chains

Joint position between Dr. Monireh Mahmoudi (School of Packaging) and Dr. Stanley Lim (Department of Supply Chain Management) focusing on empirical and analytical research in food supply chains.

10. School of Packaging – Lignocellulose Fractionation

Dr. Qiang Yang seeks a research associate to design experiments, disseminate results, assist with grant writing, mentor graduate students, and maintain laboratory operations.

Funding and Duration

Funding structures vary by position:

  • Three-year guaranteed funding: Microbiology position (Wolbachia research)
  • Two-year appointments: Physics position with renewal potential
  • One-year renewable positions: Mathematics positions with annual renewal contingent on performance and funding
  • Duration not specified: Remaining positions (typical postdoctoral terms apply)

All positions include benefits eligibility where specified. Extension possibilities exist for most roles based on progress, performance, and funding availability.

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements across positions include:

  • PhD in relevant discipline (recent graduates encouraged)
  • Demonstrated research expertise in specified technical areas
  • Publication record appropriate to career stage
  • Strong written and oral communication skills

Specific technical requirements vary considerably:

  • AI/ML positions: Strong computational background, programming proficiency
  • Biology positions: Molecular biology, tissue culture, bioinformatics expertise
  • Engineering positions: Computational modeling, simulation experience
  • Packaging positions: Materials science, coating development, recycling knowledge

Application Process

All positions follow an “Open Until Filled” policy with continuous evaluation. Candidates are advised to apply promptly as positions may close once suitable candidates are identified.

Typical application components include:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Cover letter addressing specific position requirements
  • Research statement
  • Contact information for three professional references
  • Representative publications

Applications are submitted through Michigan State University’s official employment portal or directly to the supervising faculty member as indicated in individual position postings.

Considerations for African Applicants

For Zimbabwean and SADC region scholars, these positions offer several advantages:

  • No fixed deadline allows time for visa and relocation preparation
  • Multiple positions increase probability of finding suitable matches
  • Research areas align with regional priorities (agriculture, climate, health)
  • MSU has established connections with African agricultural research networks

Applicants should verify visa sponsorship policies directly with MSU’s international services office, as J-1 research scholar visas are standard for postdoctoral positions.

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Funding Coverage

Varies by position: three years guaranteed funding (Microbiology position); two-year appointment with renewal potential (Physics); one-year renewable positions with benefits (Mathematics); standard postdoctoral funding for remaining positions. Extensions possible based on performance and funding availability.

Eligibility Criteria

PhD holders in relevant disciplines. Specific requirements vary: AI/ML background and lab management experience (Climate-Smart position); expertise in Camelina sativa and Fragaria sp. with bioinformatics skills (Horticulture); strong Engineering and computational modeling background (Hydrological modeling); expertise in paper coating and packaging (Packaging positions). All positions require strong research and communication skills.

Required Documents

Curriculum vitae; cover letter; research statement; three professional references; representative publications. Specific requirements may vary by position.

Application Process

1) Review available positions and identify best match for your expertise. 2) Prepare application materials including CV, cover letter tailored to specific position, research statement, and reference contacts. 3) Submit through Michigan State University's official employment portal or directly to supervising faculty as indicated. 4) Applications reviewed continuously until positions filled. 5) Interviews conducted with shortlisted candidates. 6) Offer and visa processing for international candidates.
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Frequently Asked Questions

No. All positions are listed as 'Open Until Filled.' Applications are evaluated continuously until suitable candidates are identified. Early application is strongly advised as positions may close without advance notice once filled.
No. These positions are open to international candidates. Michigan State University typically sponsors J-1 Research Scholar visas for successful international applicants. You should confirm current visa sponsorship policies with MSU's Office of International Students and Scholars during the application process.
Funding duration varies by position: the Microbiology position offers three years guaranteed funding with possible extension; the Physics position offers up to two years with renewal potential; Mathematics positions are one-year renewable; other positions follow standard postdoctoral terms with performance-based renewal possibilities.
Yes. Since these are distinct positions across different departments with different research focuses, you may apply to multiple positions that match your qualifications. Ensure each application is tailored to the specific position requirements and supervising faculty member.
Standard requirements include: curriculum vitae; cover letter specifically addressing how your expertise matches the position; research statement outlining your research vision; contact information for three professional references; and representative publications. Some positions may require additional materials such as coding samples or detailed research proposals.
The research does not specify relocation assistance policies. This varies by position and funding source. You should inquire directly with the hiring department or faculty member about available relocation support, as some postdoctoral positions at MSU may include limited moving allowances while others do not.

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