Plant Science Excellence | Office of Research and Innovation

A collage of plant researchers in the field.

True to its land-grant roots that revolutionized higher education, MSU is committed to training the next generation of plant science leaders, with many research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students, and post-doctoral researchers. As home to one of the largest communities of plant science faculty in the world, with research spanning from the molecular level to global ecosystems, MSU has the scientific expertise to lead large-scale collaborative research necessary to address the complex and pressing needs of today and into the future.

Faculty Hiring Initiative

Join our community of over 200 plant science faculty, embracing collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches to foundational and applied research. MSU intends to extend its plant science leadership through a five-year recruiting initiative, bringing together new talent and current MSU experts around key research priorities. This broad hiring initiative includes 20-25 new positions across MSU departments, centers, and institutes that span colleges and impact many aspects of plant science and agricultural scholarship. Become a part of a renowned legacy, spanning decades of pioneering contributions to plant science research.

Hiring Areas

Discover unparalleled research opportunities, rooted in excellence.

Featured Position

W.K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS)
Director
Application review begins: January 21, 2025

Michigan State University seeks a resident Director for the W. K. Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) to provide leadership and promote a creative environment that fosters innovation and excellence in the Station's research, education, and outreach programs in ecology, evolution, agriculture, and conservation biology. The Director provides visionary leadership for KBS research, education, and outreach programs and is expected to maintain and enhance a creative and productive environment for faculty, students, and both academic and non-academic staff. The Director serves as the principal representative of KBS with authority and responsibility for administrative decisions. The Director reports directly to the Deans of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Natural Science at MSU. This is an administrative leadership position with opportunities and support to continue a research or outreach program and/or engage in teaching.

The position is expected to be filled beginning August 2025. For more information, see posting #1006582 on careers.msu.edu.

Faculty Position Notices

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Plant Science News

Joan Rose team conducting water research.

Research that Matters to You

With support from the federal government, Spartan researchers have delivered lifesaving breakthroughs for generations and continue to tackle our most urgent challenges. From lifesaving cancer drugs that treat millions to advancements in agriculture that help deliver healthy food to the kitchen table, Spartan research makes life better.

Moran’s Research to Better Understand Earth’s Ecosystems

Moran’s research uses stable isotope analysis to address an array of questions linked to microbial ecology and plant-microbe interactions. He is particularly interested in tracking interactions between plant roots and microbes in the thin region of soil just outside the roots, called the rhizosphere.

Simons Foundation Now Accepting Applications for Pivot Fellows

Pivot Fellows receive support for one year of mentored training in their new discipline, followed by the opportunity to apply for up to five years of research funding in their new field.

Uncovering Plant Resistance Through Aphids Saliva

Aphids are small yet mighty. In the right conditions, these tiny creatures can be among the most destructive insect pests to crops and cultivated plants, making understanding aphids’ feeding process crucial to the plant health field.

Two researchers wearing white coats in a plant lab

Walker Lab Researchers Find Trees Acclimate to Changing Temperatures

Researchers from the Walker lab at the Michigan State University-Department of Energy Plant Research Laboratory, or PRL, are looking at how paper birch trees are acclimatizing to changing environments through how they manage a vital plant process called photorespiration.

A rendering of the new research facility on the campus of Michigan State University. It is a multi-story building wrapped in brick and glass.

MSU trustees approve construction of new Plant and Environmental Sciences Building

In September 2024, the Michigan State University Board of Trustees voted to authorize construction of a new Plant and Environmental Sciences Building. This 200,000-square foot facility will provide critical laboratory space for approximately 40 principal investigators and their teams, advancing MSU’s leadership in food security and climate adaptation.