Research Associate-Fixed Term

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; Grand Rapids (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University invites applications for a Research Associate (post-doctoral) in the Translational Neuroscience Lab at the Grand Rapids Research Center. The role focuses on tau protein biology and developing novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative diseases, involving rodent models, cell culture, and gene therapy approaches.

The successful candidate will design and execute experiments, analyze data, and contribute to manuscript preparation, with opportunities for career progression

Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in neuroscience, molecular biology, or related field.
• Experience with basic research techniques in neuroscience or molecular biology.
• Strong data analysis and ability to publish high-quality research.

Responsibilities

• Carry out and develop research projects on tau biology and gene therapies.
• Work with rodent models, cell cultures, and various in vitro techniques.
• Lead data collection/analysis and manuscript preparation.

Skills

Rodent handling

Microscopy

Gene analysis

Statistics

Education

Doctorate in Neuroscience or Molecular Biology

Tools

Western blotting

DNA cloning

Immunostaining

ddPCR/qRT-PCR

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 publication. 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

Experience/training in neuroscience and/or neurodegenerative disease research, gene therapy approaches, or intracellular signaling pathways are strongly desired. Applicants with experience in one or more of the following techniques will be preferred:

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

Required Application Materials

CV or resume, cover letter highlighting past accomplishments and future career goals, contact information for 3 or more references

Review of Applications Begins On

11/04/2025

Summary of Health Risks

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue

Website

http://translationalscience.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

Advertised: Oct 28, 2025 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 28, 2027 Eastern Daylight Time