Research Assistant - Metal Biology Lab (Student Position)

Ferris State University College of Business; Big Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Ferris State University College of Pharmacy in Big Rapids, MI is seeking a Research Assistant for the Metal Biology Laboratory to explore the role of manganese in cellular health and cancer biology. The student will receive hands-on training in mammalian cell culture, cell-cycle analysis, western blotting, microscopy, and biochemical assays, with opportunities to learn flow cytometry and data analysis.

The position aims to provide meaningful research experience, develop critical-thinking and

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Ferris State University.
• Strong interest in biomedical research, molecular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, cancer biology, biotechnology, or related field.
• Ability to follow detailed laboratory protocols and maintain accurate research records.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and work safely with biological materials and laboratory equipment.
• Attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive laboratory tasks accurately and consistently.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Dependable, responsible, and able to commit to scheduled laboratory hours.
• Good communication skills and willingness to discuss experimental results, challenges, and ideas with the research team.

Responsibilities

• Assist day-to-day laboratory activities such as preparing reagents, buffers, cell culture materials, etc.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures such as pipetting, centrifugation, sample preparation, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory notebooks and electronic research records.
• Assist with collection, organization, and analysis of experimental data using software such as FlowJo, ImageJ, and GraphPad Prism.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and contribute to discussions of experimental design, troubleshooting, and interpretation of results.
• Review scientific literature relevant to metal biology, cell-cycle regulation, and cancer research.
• Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Assist with preparation of research presentations, posters, and other scientific communications as opportunities arise.
• Work collaboratively with other undergraduate researchers and laboratory personnel.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Biomedical research interest

Follow lab protocols

Learn new lab techniques

Attention to detail

Independent worker

Team collaboration

Reliability

Good communication

Education

Undergraduate student at Ferris State University

Biology or related coursework

Tools

FlowJo

ImageJ

GraphPad Prism

Job description

Job no: 498140 Work type: Student Employment - General Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307 Categories: Student Employment - General Position Title: Research Assistant - Metal Biology Lab (Student Position) Location: Big Rapids, MI 49307 Department: College of Pharmacy Advertised Salary: $14.99 Summary of Position: The Metal Biology Laboratory in the College of Pharmacy at Ferris State University is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join an active research program investigating the role of manganese in cellular health and cancer biology. This position provides hands-on training in biomedical research and molecular biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture, cell-cycle analysis, western blotting, microscopy, and biochemical assays. Depending on the student's experience and progress, the student will also have opportunities to learn flow cytometry, data analysis, and other research techniques. The student will work closely with Dr. Milan Prajapati and other members of the Metal Biology Laboratory. This position is designed to provide meaningful research experience, develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and prepare students interested in graduate school, professional programs, or careers in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Prior research experience is helpful but not required. Students with a strong interest in learning laboratory techniques and participating in hypothesis-driven research are encouraged to apply.

Position Requirements

Required Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Ferris State University.
• Strong interest in biomedical research, molecular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, cancer biology, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Ability to follow detailed laboratory protocols and maintain accurate research records.
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and work safely with biological materials and laboratory equipment.
• Attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive laboratory tasks accurately and consistently.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
• Dependable, responsible, and able to commit to scheduled laboratory hours.
• Good communication skills and willingness to discuss experimental results, challenges, and ideas with the research team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or prior experience in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
• Previous laboratory or undergraduate research experience.
• Experience with techniques such as cell culture, PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, western blotting, or other molecular biology methods.
• Interest in pursuing graduate school, professional school, or a career in biomedical research.
• Training will be provided; prior experience with advanced research techniques is not required. Essential Duties/Responsibilities: - Assist day-to-day laboratory activities such as preparing reagents, buffers, cell culture materials etc.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures such as pipetting, centrifugation, sample preparation, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy.
• Maintain accurate and organized laboratory notebooks and electronic research records.
• Assist with collection, organization, and analysis of experimental data using software such as FlowJo, ImageJ, and GraphPad Prism.
• Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and contribute to discussions of experimental design, troubleshooting, and interpretation of results.
• Review scientific literature relevant to metal biology, cell-cycle regulation, and cancer research.
• Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, and institutional policies and procedures.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
• Assist with preparation of research presentations, posters, and other scientific communications as opportunities arise.
• Work collaboratively with other undergraduate researchers and laboratory personnel.
• Perform other research-related duties as assigned. Number of Positions Available: 1 Documents Needed to Apply: Resume, Class Schedule Job Close Date: September 19, 2026 EEO Statement: Ferris State University, an affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer, is committed to enhancing equity, inclusion, and diversity within its community. Ferris offers employment opportunities to qualified candidates seeking careers in a student-focused environment that values opportunity, collaboration, diversity and educational excellence. Learn more about the Ferris Mission and community at ferris.edu. The University actively seeks applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and other underrepresented groups. For more information on the University’s Policy on Non-Discrimination, visit: Ferris Non-Discrimination Statement.

Advertised:

20 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close:

19 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time