Research Associate-Fixed Term

MSU - Michigan State University; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University is seeking a Research Associate (post-doc) in Grand Rapids to join a lab focused on tau protein in neurodegeneration. Responsibilities include developing research projects, collecting and analyzing data, and engaging in gene therapy techniques. Candidates should hold a doctorate in neuroscience, molecular biology, or a related field, and have experience with rodent handling and advanced research techniques. This role provides opportunities for significant skill development and career growth.

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in a scientific field, preferably molecular biology or neuroscience.
• Experience performing basic research techniques and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to independently carry out research.

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing research projects on tau protein and neurodegeneration.
• Collect and analyze data, writing manuscripts and publications.
• Work with rodent models, cell culturing, and in vitro techniques.

Skills

Rodent handling

Statistical analysis

Advanced microscopy

Education

Doctorate in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or related fields

Tools

SDS-PAGE

Western blotting

ELISA

Statistical software

Job description

Position Summary

The Research Associate (post‑doc) will join a research lab focused on understanding the role of the tau protein in neurodegeneration and developing novel therapeutics for diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies. The applicant will help carry out and develop research projects to understand the mechanisms involved in the development and progression of these diseases as well as develop novel gene therapies using a variety of techniques and model systems. The position will involve work with rodent models, cell culturing, and in vitro experimental techniques. The experimental duties may include rodent handling and husbandry, harvesting and culturing primary neurons, gene therapy approaches, Western blotting, DNA cloning, culturing of cell lines, fresh and fixed tissue processing, immunostaining, and other biochemical and molecular techniques. The applicant will take a leading role in collecting and analyzing data as well as writing manuscripts and publications. This is an opportunity to grow and develop important skills necessary for career progression. The position is in the laboratory of Dr. Nicholas Kanaan in the highly collaborative and innovative Department of Translational Neuroscience, located at the MSU Grand Rapids Research Center, 400 Monroe Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI.

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 Degree

Doctorate - Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, or related fields

Minimum Requirements

The applicant should have a doctoral degree (or equivalent) in a scientific field, preferably molecular biology, neuroscience, or a related field with multiple years of experience in a research laboratory. Applicants should have experience performing basic research techniques in the specific or related field as well as a fundamental understanding of molecular and cellular biology as well as neuroscience. The candidate should be detail oriented and self‑motivated with the ability to independently carry out research and must interact, communicate, and work well with others. The applicant must have a demonstrated record of publishing high quality research and have experience with statistical analysis of data.

Desired Qualifications

1. Rodent (mice and/or rats) handling experience. This includes animal husbandry (colony maintenance and genotyping), carrying out and analyzing behavioral experiments, intracerebral surgery/delivery, AAV use, necropsy and post‑mortem tissue processing.
2. Advanced microscopy including confocal, brightfield/fluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy.
3. Advanced gene and protein analysis (e.g. SDS‑PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, MSD, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ddPCR/qRT‑PCR).
4. Statistical analysis of data.

Summary of Health Risks

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.