Research Assistant I

MSU Careers Details•East Lansing, MI

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The selected candidate will support cardiac and mitochondrial physiology research involving the collection and analysis of bioenergetic properties from mitochondria, myocytes, and whole hearts subjected to a variety of experimental protocols. The position combines hands-on research responsibilities with laboratory management duties and plays an important role in advancing ongoing research projects within the laboratory. The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrate to define the phenomenon of human existence. The Physiology Department Mission: Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease. Understand mechanisms of disease progression. Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments. Train future scientists in state-of-the-art physiology concepts & approaches. This is an off-date position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal. The duties to be performed by this position require in-person presence in East Lansing, MI, and they are not compatible with remote work. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in life sciences, engineering, or a related field.
One to three years of related non-course based and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements and performing analytical and research techniques in an area related to research being performed.
Requires software specific to the area of research.
A valid vehicle operator's license is also required to perform duties of the position.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in a research laboratory environment.
Experience supporting laboratory operations, equipment, inventory, and compliance activities.
Experience with physiological, molecular biology, biochemical, cell culture, microscopy, and/or animal research methods.
Experience collecting and analyzing experimental data.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Candidates must also demonstrate that they are detail oriented, highly self-motivated, organized, and enthusiastic to work both individually and as part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

Perform experiments and collect, analyze, interpret, and document research data.
Assist with experimental planning, protocol development, and implementation of research studies.
Collaborate with the principal investigator and research team on the design, execution, and optimization of research experiments.
Maintain day-to-day laboratory operations and support research projects conducted by faculty, postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and undergraduate researchers.
Train, mentor, and oversee undergraduate researchers, assisting with laboratory techniques, data collection, and project activities.
Conduct animal handling and care activities in accordance with approved protocols.
Perform routine maintenance, calibration, troubleshooting, and coordination of laboratory equipment servicing.
Order laboratory supplies, materials, and equipment parts and maintain laboratory inventories, including supplies, chemicals, equipment records, and required documentation.
Ensure accuracy, integrity, and proper documentation of experimental procedures and research data.
Ensure compliance with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements, including laboratory inspections, safety procedures, reporting obligations, and proper disposal of regulated materials.
Coordinate and document required laboratory safety training.
Review scientific literature to support ongoing research projects and maintain awareness of emerging methodologies and findings.
Assist with manuscript preparation, data presentation, research reporting, and publication activities.
Communicate and collaborate with researchers, students, university personnel, vendors, and service providers to support laboratory operations and research activities.
Participate in laboratory meetings and perform other related duties as assigned.