Plant Science Excellence | Office of Research and Innovation

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.

Faculty Position Notices

Plant Science News

While MSU Greenhouse Updates Spark Innovative Research, Needs Remain

After the most recent phase of the project, 60% of the MSU Plant Science Research Greenhouse Complex has been renovated. Funding is needed to address the remaining 40%.

Close up picture of purple flowers with green leaves and yellow sunflowers

MSU Transforms Unused Lawns Into Thriving Pollinator Habitats

MSU Landscape Services transformed six acres of underused turfgrass into pollinator habitats, advancing the university's sustainability goals.

Viruses May Adapt Native Crops to Challenging Environments

MSU researchers are studying how naturally occurring viruses may help native switchgrass adapt to environmental stress, offering new insights into crop resilience and sustainable agriculture.

Long-Term Ecological Research site at W.K. Kellogg Biological Station

Humanizing the Science: W.K. Kellogg Biological Station Artist-in-Residence Program Marks Fifth Year

The Farmscapes to Forests Artist-in-Residence Program at MSU’s Kellogg Biological Station is marking its fifth year by bringing artists and scientists together to use art to humanize ecological research and deepen public connections to the natural world.

Bridge with river underneath along forests

What Seedling Census Tell Us About the Future of Michigan’s Forests

After tracking nearly 189,000 tree seedlings for 25 years, MSU researchers found that climate change may reshape Michigan’s forests, with some tree species thriving and others becoming less common in the future.

Harvesting Robot Cuts Farm Labor Costs by 20%

Engineers developed an apple-harvesting robot that can reduce farm labor costs by 20%, using AI-powered 3D vision and gentle suction arms to pick fruit with high accuracy while minimizing damage.