Position Summary

A postdoctoral position is available in the Doherty Lab at Michigan State University. We are looking for a highly motivated individual to use mixed method methodologies, focusing on qualitative methods, to investigate students' reasoning in physiology. Our lab uses interviews, focus groups, student work and in-class observations to investigate how students learn to make sense of complex physiological problems.

The Doherty Lab is part of the Learning and Inclusion in Physiology Education (LIPHE) Research Group, a discipline-based education research group in the Department of Physiology at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan.  

Supervision Received

The Research Associate will be supervised by Jennifer Doherty. Additional guidance and training will come from senior members of the lab and collaborators.

Salary and Benefits

The salary range (or hiring range) has been established by NIH guidelines. You can review them at   

The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.

The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Michigan State University and the Doherty Lab

provide generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

Diversity and Equity:

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please email ocr@msu.edu.

Michigan State University is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff. The university strives to promote a culture of inclusiveness, respect, communication and understanding. We encourage applications from women, ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, persons within the LGBTQ+ community, and all veterans. MSU is committed to diversity and equality in education and employment.

MSU is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students and visitors. To assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background investigations for all prospective employees.

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

Doctorate -Physiology, Biology, Biology education research

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.

Ph.D. in Physiology, Biology, Biology education research, Physics education research, Chemistry education research, learning sciences or related field. 

Minimum requirements must be identifiable from the CV/Resume

Desired Qualifications

Experience with education research. However, all enthusiastic, curious and ambitious candidates with a doctoral degree are encouraged to apply. Demonstrated record of productivity (e.g., research publications).

Required