"Research Assistant I"

Position Summary

The endocrinology section at Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL) is seeking an experienced Research Assistant to assist with research projects and development of diagnostic tests, perform high-volume diagnostic testing, and assist with administrative responsibilities. This role combines technical expertise in automated chemiluminescent assays and radioimmunoassays with strong communication and organizational skills to support both laboratory operations and client interactions.

The individual will be responsible for performing research and diagnostic assays on animal samples (serum, plasma, urine), ensuring quality control, maintaining instruments, and documenting results. Administrative duties include data entry, client communication, and assisting with research projects. This position requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, knowledge of laboratory information management systems, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

The Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (MSU VDL), a service unit in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is a premier, full-service, fully accredited veterinary diagnostic laboratory for all species. Serving livestock, poultry, horses, and wildlife as well as companion, exotic, aquatic and zoo animals, the MSU VDL is equipped to assist with the care of animals throughout every stage of their life cycle. Our comprehensive test offerings give clients easy access to routine and specialty diagnostics. The VDL performs more than one million tests per year on samples submitted from across the state of Michigan, the United States, and more than 25 countries. It has outstanding veterinary medical professionals and facilities and is world-renowned for expertise in endocrinology and cancer diagnostics.

This state-of-the-art facility is a critical first line of defense in safeguarding domestic animals and wildlife from deadly diseases including foreign animal diseases, in alerting public health officials to the presence of diseases transmissible from animals to humans and partnering with state and federal agencies to monitor and prepare to respond if needed to threats that may impact animal or human health.

The endocrinology section performs over a half million tests per year, and is responsible for providing rapid, accurate results to veterinarians and researchers. The quality of the results and consultation from our experienced endocrinologists has made the MSU VDL a world leader in endocrinology. The endocrinology section performs a variety of assays for assessment of thyroid, adrenal, parathyroid, reproductive, pancreatic, pituitary, and gastric function in multiple species.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in biological, clinical laboratory sciences, medical technology or 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 high volume diagnostics, knowledge of research methodology, developing and implementing procedures and programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this position is detail oriented, organized, and has great problem-solving skills; able to multitask and prioritize while seeing tasks and projects through to completion. The successful candidate is team oriented, collaborative by nature, customer service focused, and able to remain calm, cool, and collected under pressure while also maintaining a positive attitude and professional demeanor; experience with word processing and spreadsheet software; experience running automated analyzers as well as use of manual pipetting. Certification as a Medical Technologist or Licensed Veterinary Technician is preferred.

Required Application Materials

Resume/CV, Cover Letter, 3 professional references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/vdl

Summary of Health Risks

Health risks - exposure to unfixed animal tissue and exposure to radioimmunoassays