Lab Manager/Research Assistant II

Michigan State University College of Engineering; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University Plant Research Laboratory in East Lansing seeks a full-time Lab Manager/Research Assistant II to support cutting-edge photosynthesis research combining molecular, biochemical, and gas-exchange approaches. The role involves routine lab tasks, media preparation, and maintaining lab operations.

The successful candidate will assist in sample collection, data analysis, inventory control, safety compliance, and helping orient students and researchers with lab resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Biology, Molecular Biology or Biochemistry.
• 3–5 years of related research and lab operations experience.
• Experience with molecular techniques and analytical methods.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine lab tasks including media prep and molecular work.
• Conduct biochemical analyses and gas-exchange-based experiments.
• Maintain lab inventory and organize resources.
• Help establish standard protocols and lab wiki.
• Assist in training students and orienting researchers with lab resources.

Skills

Molecular biology

Biochemical analysis

Inventory management

Safety procedures

Lab equipment troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry

Job description

The Walker lab is recruiting a full-time Research Assistant in the Plant Research Laboratory at Michigan State University. This role will be integral to maintaining a cutting-edge facility for studying photosynthesis in plants through a combination of molecular, biochemical and gas-exchange-based approaches.

Working/Functional Title

Lab Manager/Research Assistant II

This Person Will Be

• Responsible for routine laboratory tasks such as media preparation and molecular work
• Performing biochemical analysis, light field work and other primary research duties
• Responsible for accounting for lab inventory
• Managing establishment of a Wiki outlining the standard protocols/operations for the lab
• Becoming familiar with proper waste management, chemical labeling/storage and related laboratory requirements
• Serve as a contact in the lab to orient students and researchers with lab and department resources

A Successful Candidate Will Be Able To

• assist in lab and field sampling and biochemical/molecular analysis
• troubleshoot gas exchange instrumentation
• maintain stocks of autoclaved reagents and laboratory supplies
• review primary literature for developing essays and preparing work for publication

Minimum Requirements

The job requires: knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Biology, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry 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; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Willingness to learn about safety compliance and procedures for the lab.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with enzymology or protein expression/purification
• Experience in lab compliance/safety procedures
• Experience troubleshooting instrumentation

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

resume and three references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an end-dated position funded for one year from start date, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://prl.natsci.msu.edu/

Bidding eligibility ends August 18, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.