Research Technologist I

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s Hulin Lab is seeking a Research Technologist to support projects on plant pathogenic bacteria evolution. Responsibilities include media preparation, DNA/RNA extractions, data entry, plant maintenance and cloning support to generate bacterial mutants, along with documentation and ordering for lab operations.

The role emphasizes lab duties (40%), maintenance (30%), admin tasks (20%), and data entry (10%).

Qualifications

• Four-year college degree in biological sciences, plant pathology or microbiology.
• Up to six months of related and progressively more responsible work experience in basic research techniques.
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software.

Responsibilities

• 40%: Laboratory work supporting research, including cloning of plasmid vectors and generation of mutants; pathogenicity testing on plants; phenotyping and DNA/RNA extractions.
• 30%: Laboratory maintenance, media and buffer preparation, plant maintenance, organization of consumables, stocks of competent cells, training of undergraduates.
• 20%: Laboratory administration—ordering, SOP updates and documentation of culture collections.
• 10%: Data entry from large-scale pathogenicity tests and bacterial phenotyping assays.

Skills

Lab techniques

Media preparation

Sterile technique

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Data entry

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Job description

Position Summary

The Hulin Lab is excited to welcome applications for a Research Technologist. They will support projects focused on plant pathogenic bacteria evolution. Laboratory duties will include media and buffer preparation, DNA/RNA extractions, data entry, plant maintenance and general molecular techniques. Assistance with cloning to generate bacterial mutants as well as support to current laboratory members in their projects including data collection and field work. In addition, helping with laboratory administration e.g. ordering, organization of strain collections and protocol documentation will be an important aspect of this role.

Breakdown of the role:

40% Laboratory work supporting research project including cloning of plasmid vectors for generation of bacterial gene deletion/heterologous expression mutants, pathogenicity testing of these mutant bacteria on plants, phenotyping bacterial mutants in terms of growth on particular media, DNA/RNA extractions, assistance with team data collection during large scale experiments and field work.

30% Laboratory maintenance including media and buffer preparation, plant maintenance, organization of consumables, generating stocks of competent E. coli for transformations. This will include training of undergraduate research assistants in these techniques.

20% Laboratory administration e.g. ordering, filing, updating SOPs, keeping laboratory culture collection databases up to date.

10% Data entry from large scale pathogenicity tests and bacterial phenotyping assays.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in biological sciences, plant pathology or microbiology; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques in the specific or related field; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory skills such as media and stock preparation, sterile techniques Basic molecular biology skills such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis
• Strong organizational skills in and out of the laboratory
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills Desired attributes
• Previous research on plant pathogenic bacteria
• Field work experience
• Familiarity with molecular cloning techniques

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

Cover Letter

CV/Resume

Special Instructions

Inquires regarding position can be sent to Dr. Michelle Hulin ([e-mail])

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/

Bidding eligibility ends September 29, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.

Advertised: Sep 23, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Oct 6, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time