Research Assistant I

MSU Careers Details•East Lansing, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wheat Breeding and Genetics program at Michigan State University seeks a highly motivated and organized Research Assistant I to support wheat variety development and research through laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based work. The primary role is to coordinate greenhouse and laboratory operations and conduct, coordinate, and implement experiments for the wheat breeding program and graduate student studies. The position also assists with field research, including planting and harvesting plots, collecting data and samples, and operating research tractors, planters, and combines. The role includes overseeing hourly student employees. Laboratory duties include coordinating daily operations, maintaining equipment and facilities, conducting tasks such as DNA extraction and quantification, collecting and processing tissue samples, maintaining and inoculating wheat pathogens, milling seed samples, operating specialized research equipment, managing supplies and seed inventory, and supporting laboratory safety. Greenhouse duties include watering and fertilizing experiments, monitoring plant health, coordinating pest management, maintaining clean greenhouses and growth chambers, and performing tissue sampling, cross-pollination, pathogen inoculations, and equipment maintenance. The position plans and develops laboratory and greenhouse research activities, uses the PRISM database and Teams to manage seed inventory and experiment data, coordinates activities to ensure high-quality results, and develops and maintains standard operating procedures and equipment maintenance schedules. Field research includes data collection, disease nursery inoculation, tissue sampling, planting, and harvest. The position supervises undergraduate and graduate student employees. This is an off-dated position funded for one year from the date of hire, with renewal possible contingent upon funding. Standard work hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; extended days and weekends may be needed during wheat harvest and planting seasons.

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to completion of a four-year college degree in Crop and Soil Sciences, Horticulture, Genetics, Genomics, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One to three years of progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in crop or plant science laboratory and greenhouse research.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
Obtain a Michigan Commercial Pesticide license within six months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with plant pathogens, research methodologies, and laboratory management.
Two to three years of experience in crop or plant science laboratory and greenhouse research.
Experience with field, greenhouse, and laboratory research techniques.
Experience operating field research equipment such as threshers, combines, and planters.
Excellent organizational and communication skills, including attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member.
Flexibility to work extended days and weekends during wheat harvest and planting seasons.

Responsibilities

Coordinate daily laboratory operations, monitor experiments, start laboratory equipment, and maintain laboratory equipment and facilities.
Conduct laboratory research tasks, including DNA extraction and quantification, tissue sample collection and processing, wheat pathogen collection and maintenance, pathogen inoculation, seed milling, and operation of specialized research equipment.
Manage laboratory supplies and seed inventory.
Lead laboratory safety activities, including site-specific training, chemical and biological inventories, and compliance with MSU EHS manuals, policies, and guidelines.
Manage greenhouse operations, including watering and fertilizing experiments, monitoring plant health, scouting, and coordinating pest management with MSU Greenhouse Staff.
Maintain clean greenhouses and growth chambers and perform tissue sampling, cross-pollination, pathogen inoculations, and equipment maintenance.
Plan, develop, coordinate, and implement laboratory and greenhouse research for the winter wheat breeding program and graduate student studies.
Use the PRISM database and Teams to maintain seed inventory, record experiment data, and print greenhouse identification stakes.
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures and maintenance schedules for laboratory and greenhouse activities and equipment.
Assist with field research, including collecting data, inoculating field disease nurseries, tissue sampling, planting, and harvesting.
Operate research tractors, planters, combines, and other field research equipment as needed.
Supervise undergraduate and graduate student employees.