Research Technologist I
Michigan State University

Job Info

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Job no: 815593
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade: 08
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Plant Soil And Microbial Sciences 40000781
Sub Area: CT- Clerical Tech.
Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Education/Training, Research/Scientific, Clerical Technical- CT, Full Time (90-100%), Union
Position Summary

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES - RESPONSIBILITIES ·

Follows established procedures in performing laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber, and field tests and assays, in order to generate and record data for later analysis by other researchers. · Assists in compiling test results for future composition of reports, publications and presentation by other researchers. · Operates, maintains and monitors research instruments and equipment. Monitors supplies and equipment in order to maintain inventories. · Cleans, prepares and stores glassware and materials used in experiments by washing and sterilizing. · Grows and maintains isolate cultures, including long- and short-term collections for laboratory use. · Prepares solutions, culture media and stains, by measuring and mixing appropriate chemicals. · Supervises and instructs students in the performance of basic laboratory, greenhouse, growth chamber, and field techniques. · Assists students and researchers in laboratory and field research projects, including fungicide sensitivity assays and postharvest experiments for potato and sugar beet diseases. · Performs pathogen isolation from plant tissues to support diagnostic activities. Further performs molecular techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, purification, gel electrophoresis, PCR or qPCR, and sequence submissions as necessary. · Monitors and maintains field trials at on- and off-campus research farms, including assisting with field preparation, planting, harvesting, pesticide application, and data collection when necessary.

COMMUNICATIONS - INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS ·

Graduate Students - in order to assist and advise them in perfecting laboratory procedures. · Student Employees - in order to provide direction in performing basic laboratory procedures. · Supervisor(s) - in order to receive direction and instruction in performing field and laboratory techniques and duties. · Professors/Directors - in order to receive guidelines on experiments and analyze results. · Co-workers - in order to receive and provide assistance. · Undergraduate Students - in order to explain and instruct in laboratory techniques.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE WORK OF OTHERS First- or second-level supervision over student employees.

RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE HEALTH-SAFETY OF OTHERS This position has responsibility for the health and/or safety of others. Responsibilities may include safe storage and disposal of hazardous waste or biohazardous materials, practicing safe chemical and pesticide handling and disposal, advising workers/students about the proper use and preparation and disposal of hazardous and/or carcinogenic agents.

IMPACT ON PROGRAMS - SERVICES - OPERATIONS Errors in data generated could affect short-term planning and research papers. Errors are usually detected by other technicians and corrected with only minor inconvenience to others.

WORK ENVIRONMENT Mildly disagreeable working conditions involving possibly working with potentially dangerous chemical and/or biological hazards. The job requires moderate to strenuous physical effort and involves standing and manual dexterity for plant tissue processing, sterile technique, molecular methods, and microscopic studies (50-60% of time) to standing for one to several hours, climbing onto/into farm equipment, walking over uneven ground, and lifting up to 25-50 lbs in indoor and outdoor field research areas (10-40% of time).

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 field; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques in the specific or related field; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The job may require the appropriate pesticide applicator's registration/certification and/or experience working with potentially dangerous research animals.

Desired Qualifications

1. May require valid vehicle operator's license where needed to perform duties of the position. 2. Other skills and/or physical abilities required to perform duties of the position. 3. This position requires knowledge of basic personal computer terminology and operations, and the ability to use e-mail and the Internet.

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

Cover Letter

Resume

3 Professional References

Together-we-will StatementThe university is requiring all MSU students, faculty and staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19 with limited exceptions. Learn more at: https://msu.edu/together-we-will/Special Instructions

Contact Jaime Willbur(willbur1@msu.edu) for additional information

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is a Limited Term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Summary of Physical Demands

Standing and manual dexterity for plant tissue processing, sterile technique, molecular methods, and microscopic studies (50-60% of time)

Standing for one to several hours, climbing onto/into farm equipment, walking over uneven ground, and lifting up to 25-50 lbs in indoor and outdoor field research areas (10-40% of time).

Summary of Health Risks

Mildly disagreeable working conditions involving working with potentially dangerous chemical and/or biological hazards.

Bidding eligibility ends on 9/27/2022 at 11:55 PM

Advertised: Sep 21, 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 4, 2022 Eastern Daylight Time

This job has expired.