Postdoctoral Researcher

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 27140 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Laura K. Jennings

laura.jennings@montana.edu

406-994-2649

Classification Title Postdoctoral Researcher Working Title Postdoctoral Researcher Brief Position Overview

The Jennings Lab, part of the Department of Microbiology & Cell Biology at Montana State University, is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to conduct bacterial pathogenesis research.

Position Number 4C7754 Department Microbiology & Cell Biology Division College of Agriculture/MAES Appointment Type Research Professional Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Exempt Union Affiliation Exempt from Collective Bargaining FTE 1.0 Benefits Eligible Eligible Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications. Contract Type LOA If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

The Jennings Lab studies how the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa adapts to changing environments and persists during infection. Current research focuses on bacterial epigenetics and biofilm biology. The successful candidate will contribute to funded research projects while developing an independent research program within the broader goals of the lab. The position offers opportunities for collaboration, manuscript preparation, conference participation, and mentorship of students.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct experiments using microbiological, molecular, and biochemical techniques.
• Design, execute, and analyze experiments to generate reproducible data.
• Communicate findings to faculty, staff, and the broader scientific community.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
• Train and mentor graduate and undergraduate researchers.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Minimum PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research and publish results.
• Excellent communication, organization, and teamwork skills.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Research experience in microbiology and molecular biology. A strong background in bacterial genetics, molecular cloning, biofilm biology, and/or mouse models of infection is preferred.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Willingness to learn new research techniques.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Effectively prioritize tasks and manage time.
• Demonstrate enthusiasm for scientific research.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? No

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on October 30, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for new sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).