Research Assistant II

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University seeks a highly skilled and motivated Research Assistant II to manage the Leonard Laboratory. The Research Assistant will aid the PI in planning and performing ophthalmology research.

Duties for this position will include:

• (70%) Support to laboratory-based research activities: The incumbent Research Assistant will provide high-level technical support to the laboratory-based research activities of the Leonard lab, including assisting in the design, execution, and troubleshooting of experiments and protocols; keeping detailed and accurate laboratory records, including protocols and databases; assisting with data entry and preliminary analysis of results.
• (20%) General laboratory management: The Research Assistant will support the management of the research laboratory, including calendaring, ordering, managing research budgets, writing (grants, manuscripts, and AUFs), and other general lab tasks such as ensuring adequate user laboratory safety training and compliance.
• (10%) Training of students: The Research Assistant will supervise and train graduate, undergraduate, and/or DVM students in research projects.

This is a 12-month assignment with the possibility of extension based on continued availability of funding.

Standard 8-5 with possible weekends.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment such as Science, Arts in Scientific discipline (Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, or related science field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

Desired: Master of Science degree, area of study: Animal Science, Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or a related scientific field.

Minimum of two years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques such as cell/tissue culture, molecular biology (e.g., PCR, DNA/RNA/protein extraction), and/or ELISA; experience with word processing, spreadsheet, database and/or basic statistical software.

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a two-year research-oriented degree program, such as a Master of Science degree; at least five years of related work experience in laboratory research techniques such as cell and molecular biology, microscopy, flow cytometry, transcriptomics; experience organizing and analyzing data using more advanced analysis techniques. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Strong organization capabilities (including calendaring), strong writing and computer skills, good attention to detail, and independent problem-solving skills. Attention to detail is critical, as well as the ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, adhere to deadlines, maintain high ethical research standards, accept constructive criticism, and succeed in a team-oriented environment.