Job Information
Michigan State University Research Assistant I in East Lansing, Michigan
Job postings
Research Assistant I
Back to search results Apply now Job no: 956918
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade:11
Major Administrative Unit / College:College Of Natural Science
Department:Integrative Biology 10032920
Sub Area:AP- Professionals
Salary:Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Research/Scientific, Administrative Professionals- AP, Full Time (90-100%), Union
Position Summary
The lab of Dr. Grace Smith-Vidaurre at Michigan State University is hiring a research technician with expertise in captive animal experiments and wet lab work. The technician will help the lab with setting up equipment for high-quality recordings of parrots at an external site, setting up a local captive songbird colony, collecting acoustic and other behavioral data from parrots and songbirds, as well as performing lab organizational tasks and wet lab protocols. The technician will be expected to collaborate with other members of the lab, mentor undergraduate students, and participate in lab meetings. They will also be expected to help with daily animal care tasks, documentation of standard operating protocols, performing wet lab protocols, ordering equipment, organizing data and code, and as well as contributing to scientific presentations and manuscripts. The technician will be encouraged to contribute intellectually to research projects and to grow as a researcher in this position. This is an in-person position, and the technician will be expected to work at the lab’s primary location in East Lansing as well periodically working at an external research site off-campus.
General research in the Smith-Vidaurre Lab focuses on how socially learned vocalizations are used to communicate identity information, and how brain regions for producing learned vocalizations may be sensitive to the early-life environment. The lab is part of the Department of Integrative Biology and the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering. We expect that lab members will contribute to creating and maintaining a collaborative interdisciplinary work culture. We are committed to building an inclusive work environment and creating equitable access to research opportunities for a diverse group of scientists at different career stages. The Smith-Vidaurre Lab is also committed to supporting lab members with opportunities for intellectual growth and professional development towards their academic or non-academic career goals.
The technician will be trained on the biological background and technical skills for the captive animal maintenance tasks and research projects to which they contribute. They will be expected to develop independence in their duties associated with this position over time.
Duration: The position will begin in summer 2024 and the exact start date is negotiable. This is an off dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or other related science fields; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements and performing analytical and research techniques in an area related to research being performed; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in biology, ecology, neuroscience, psychology or a related field
Experience working on research projects with captive animals
Experience maintaining a long-term colony of captive animals
Expertise with standard wet lab protocols in molecular biology, including DNA extractions, RNA extractions, PCR, and gel electrophoresis
Proficiency in best practices for safety in wet lab and captive animal research settings
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Strong curiosity, creativity, personal motivation, and a willingness to learn and grow independently
Strong problem-solving as well as oral and written communication skills
Commitment to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative work environment
Expertise with neuroanatomical dissections or other fine-scale anatomical dissections
Expertise with additional molecular biology protocols, such as: in situ hybridizations, immunohistochemistry, library preparation for high-throughput sequencing (RNA-seq, ATAC-seq)
Experience handling birds of different sizes
Experience collecting acoustic recordings and behavioral data from animals
Strong bioinformatics background and skillset
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 Application Materials
A 1-2 page cover letter that describes your interest in this position, your relevant previous experiences, and your skillset
Your resume or CV
Your unofficial transcript
Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for three professional references
For more information, please contact Dr. Grace Smith-Vidaurre (smithvid@msu.edu) with the subject line " Questions about Avian Research Technician 2024 ".
Work Hours
Variable
Description of End Date
This is an off dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Website
integrativebiology.natsci.msu.edu
Bidding eligibility ends June 11, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.
Advertised: Jun 5, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time