About the role
Position Summary
The research group led by Dr. Yun Liang in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University is currently accepting applications for a full-time Postdoctoral Scholar – Fixed Term. The Liang Labs focus is in understanding the molecular basis of autoimmune diseases, with the ultimate goal of finding cures for these debilitating diseases. To achieve this goal, we use a combination of technologies including cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, genomics, and animal models, and we work in close collaboration with physician-scientists for translational studies. We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong desire to advance scientific projects to join our team.
Responsibilities will include training and supervising graduate/undergraduate students in their research and contributing to technical publications and proposals. The candidate will have extensive opportunities to publish, and access to exceptional resources to facilitate their independent research.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Michigan State University and the Liang Lab provide generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
This is an off-date position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal. The duties to be performed by this position require in-person presence in East Lansing, MI, and they are not compatible with remote work.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
Required Degree
Terminal -Immunology, Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must have obtained a Ph.D. degree in the field of biological sciences, biomedical sciences or related before the first day of employment. The candidate should have evidence of prior productive scientific work in publications in peer-reviewed journals. Candidate must have a record of hands-on research experience in molecular biology, cell biology and/or biochemistry in the specific research area. Ability to demonstrate that they are detail oriented, highly self-motivated, organized, and enthusiastic to work both individually and as part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.
Desired Qualifications
Preference will be given to candidates with:
- Scientific achievements demonstrated by peer-reviewed research publications
- Lab management experience and/or mentoring experience
- Experience with animal studies
- Excellent and effective communication skills
- Demonstrate participation in programs designed to promote inclusion and multicultural perspectives and develop and foster trust in a culture of collaboration
Required Application Materials
- Resume/CV
- A list of three to five professional references and their contact information
- Cover Letter
Special Instructions
The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, complete the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities contact form here: https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/form/contact. Michigan State University is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff.
Review of Applications Begins On
04/22/2026
Summary of Health Risks
Employees may work with or near human and/or animal blood and/or tissues; live animals; bio-hazardous chemicals and materials; viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; radioactive materials; medical waste; and sharp implements.
Website
https://physiology.natsci.msu.edu/#:~:te
Department Statement
The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrate to define the phenomenon of human existence.
The Physiology Department Mission:
- Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease.
- Understand mechanisms of disease progression.
- Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments.
- Train future scientists in state-of-the-art physiology concepts & approaches.
MSU Statement
Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.