Specialist - Research-Fixed Term

MSU - Michigan State University; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Michigan State University’s Shames Laboratory seeks an experienced Academic Research Specialist to support NIH-funded work on innate immune mechanisms of macrophage defense against intracellular bacterial pathogens.

The role centers on in vivo murine infection models, bone marrow chimera studies, and myeloid-specific conditional knockouts, with responsibilities for independent research and mentoring junior lab personnel.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in microbiology, immunology, cell biology, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of postdoctoral research experience.
• Experience with in vivo murine models of infection and related techniques.
• Familiarity with IACUC protocols and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead in vivo murine infection experiments, bone marrow chimeras and conditional knockouts.
• Mentor junior personnel and contribute to training of students and staff.
• Oversee day-to-day lab operations and maintain meticulous records.

Skills

In vivo murine models

Flow cytometry

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

IACUC familiarity

Independence & mentorship

Education

Ph.D. in microbiology/immunology/cell biology or related field

Tools

Flow cytometry

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular biology techniques

Job description

Position Summary

The Shames Laboratory at Michigan State University is seeking an experienced and motivated Academic Research Specialist to support a NIH-funded research program investigating innate immune mechanisms of macrophage defense against intracellular bacterial pathogens.

The successful candidate will lead in vivo experimental efforts within the framework of the laboratory's funded aims, with a primary focus on murine models of bacterial infection, bone marrow chimera experiments, and myeloid-specific conditional knockout studies. In addition to driving an independent research project, the Research Specialist will contribute to day-to-day laboratory operations and play an active role in the mentorship and training of junior laboratory personnel, including graduate and undergraduate students.

The ideal candidate holds a Ph.D. in microbiology, immunology, cell biology, or a closely related field and brings the following qualifications:

• Extensive hands-on experience with in vivo murine models of infection or disease, including bone marrow transplantation, intranasal infection, and tissue harvest and processing
• Demonstrated proficiency in flow cytometry, including multiparameter immune cell phenotyping from lung and other tissues
• Experience with mammalian cell culture, aseptic technique, and standard molecular biology techniques
• Familiarity with IACUC protocols and regulatory compliance in an animal research setting
• Highly organized, with strong attention to detail and meticulous record-keeping practices
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence and to mentor junior personnel

Experience with laboratory bacterial infection models, high-content imaging, and/or bioinformatic analysis is a plus.

This position requires work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment. The candidate must be willing to complete all required institutional biosafety and animal handling training.

This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term position with reappointment contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding.

As an institution of higher learning, Michigan State University is committed to providing a safe environment for its students, faculty, and staff in support of its educational mission. With this commitment, the University conducts criminal background checks and professional misconduct reviews of all applicants for employment in faculty, academic staff, and executive management searches.

Professional Misconduct Review

A professional misconduct review is a prerequisite for a candidate to be selected for this position. Applicants will be asked to disclose whether they are subject to any pending investigation, findings or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Professional misconduct includes misconduct related to a person’s employment, including, but not limited to, theft, embezzlement, research integrity, discrimination, or harassment under civil rights laws and policies, including protected identity harassment, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct (sexual assault, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, etc.), and retaliation. All applicants will be asked to sign an authorization and release, which authorizes the University to contact the candidate’s current and former employers, for a period of 7 years prior to the date of application, related to any pending investigations, findings of responsibility and/or sanctions related to professional misconduct. Nothing will be sent to current or former employers unless the candidate reaches the semi-finalist stage.

The existence of professional misconduct history does not automatically exclude a candidate from employment. The University will assess the history, including any information provided by the candidate, in determining whether it is compatible with the position. The University may decline to hire a candidate based on the professional misconduct review. All records obtained from external employers will be kept in a secure location, separate from personnel files. If an applicant fails to sign the authorization and release, the application will be deemed incomplete and will be withdrawn.

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

Terminal -Microbiology, Immunology, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants should have a Ph.D., D.V.M., or M.D., or equivalent advanced degree(s) and at least 5 years of postdoctoral research experience.

Desired Qualifications

Demonstrated expertise in mechanistic cell biology, in vivo mouse models, and flow cytometry.

Review of Applications Begins On

09/28/2026

Summary of Health Risks

Some duties in this position may include the following exposure to health risks:
Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions. Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.

Website

https://mgi.natsci.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.