Research Assistant I

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing, Northern (MI, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU - Michigan State University invites applications for a staff research technician to support cardiac and mitochondrial physiology research. The role combines hands-on experiments with laboratory management, data analysis, and mentoring of undergraduates.

The selected candidate will ensure safety compliance, maintain equipment, and assist with manuscript preparation and reporting. The position requires a four-year degree in life sciences or related field and 1–3 years of lab experience;

Qualifications

• Knowledge equivalent to completing a four-year college degree in life sciences, engineering, or related field.
• One to three years of related lab experience in standard procedures and safety requirements.
• Experience with analytical and research techniques in related research areas.

Responsibilities

• Perform experiments and collect, analyze, interpret, and document research data.
• Assist with experimental planning, protocol development, and implementation of research studies.
• Collaborate with the principal investigator and research team on design, execution, and optimization of experiments.
• Maintain day-to-day laboratory operations and support research projects conducted by faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduates.
• Train, mentor, and oversee undergraduate researchers and assist with techniques, data collection, and project activities.
• Conduct animal handling and care activities in accordance with approved protocols.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination of laboratory equipment servicing.
• Order laboratory supplies and maintain inventories and required documentation.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and proper documentation of procedures and data.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements and coordinate safety training.
• Review scientific literature to support ongoing projects and assist with manuscript preparation and reporting.

Job description

Position Summary

Position Description:

The selected candidate will support cardiac and mitochondrial physiology research involving the collection and analysis of bioenergetic properties from mitochondria, myocytes, and whole hearts subjected to a variety of experimental protocols. The position combines hands‑on research responsibilities with laboratory management duties and plays an important role in advancing ongoing research projects within the laboratory.

Responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

• Perform experiments and collect, analyze, interpret, and document research data.
• Assist with experimental planning, protocol development, and implementation of research studies.
• Collaborate with the principal investigator and research team on the design, execution, and optimization of research experiments.
• Maintain day‑to‑day laboratory operations and support research projects conducted by faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers.
• Train, mentor, and oversee undergraduate researchers, assisting with laboratory techniques, data collection, and project activities.
• Conduct animal handling and care activities in accordance with approved protocols.
• Perform routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination of laboratory equipment servicing.
• Order laboratory supplies, materials, and equipment parts and maintain laboratory inventories, including supplies, chemicals, equipment records, and required documentation.
• Ensure accuracy, integrity, and proper documentation of experimental procedures and research data.
• Ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements, including laboratory inspections, safety procedures, reporting obligations, and proper disposal of regulated materials.
• Coordinate and document required laboratory safety training.
• Review scientific literature to support ongoing research projects and maintain awareness of emerging methodologies and findings.
• Assist with manuscript preparation, data presentation, research reporting, and publication activities.
• Communicate and collaborate with researchers, students, university personnel, vendors, and service providers to support laboratory operations and research activities.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and perform other related duties as assigned.

This is an off‑date position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal. The duties to be performed by this position require in‑person presence in East Lansing, MI, and they are not compatible with remote work. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis.

Department Statement:

The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrate to define the phenomenon of human existence.

The Physiology Department Mission:

• Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease.
• Understand mechanisms of disease progression.
• Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments.
• Train future scientists in state‑of‑the‑art physiology concepts & approaches.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four‑year college degree program in life sciences, engineering, or a related field; one to three years of related non‑course based 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; requires software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A valid vehicle operator's license is also required to perform duties of the position.

Desired Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Experience working in a research laboratory environment.
• Experience supporting laboratory operations, equipment, inventory, and compliance activities.
• Experience with physiological, molecular biology, biochemical, cell culture, microscopy, and/or animal research methods.
• Experience collecting and analyzing experimental data.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Candidates must also demonstrate that they are detail oriented, highly self‑motivated, organized, and enthusiastic to work both individually and as part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.

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/CV
• A list of three to five professional references and their contact information
• Cover Letter

Special Instructions

The University will provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, complete the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities contact form here: https://www.rcpd.msu.edu/form/contact. Michigan State University is committed to recruiting and supporting a diverse student body, faculty, and administrative staff.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

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

https://physiology.natsci.msu.edu/#:~:te

Summary of Health Risks

Employees may work with or near human and/or animal blood and/or tissues; live animals; bio‑hazardous chemicals and materials; viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens; radioactive materials; medical waste; and sharp implements.

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 09/01/2026 at 11:55 PM