Research Assistant - Metal Biology Lab (Student Position)
About The Position
The Metal Biology Laboratory in the College of Pharmacy at Ferris State University is seeking a motivated undergraduate student to join an active research program investigating the role of manganese in cellular health and cancer biology. This position provides hands-on training in biomedical research and molecular biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture, cell-cycle analysis, western blotting, microscopy, and biochemical assays. Depending on the student's experience and progress, the student will also have opportunities to learn flow cytometry, data analysis, and other research techniques. The student will work closely with Dr. Milan Prajapati and other members of the Metal Biology Laboratory. This position is designed to provide meaningful research experience, develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and prepare students interested in graduate school, professional programs, or careers in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Prior research experience is helpful but not required. Students with a strong interest in learning laboratory techniques and participating in hypothesis-driven research are encouraged to apply.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student at Ferris State University.
- Strong interest in biomedical research, molecular biology, pharmacology, toxicology, cancer biology, biotechnology, or a related field.
- Ability to follow detailed laboratory protocols and maintain accurate research records.
- Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and work safely with biological materials and laboratory equipment.
- Attention to detail and ability to perform repetitive laboratory tasks accurately and consistently.
- Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a collaborative research environment.
- Dependable, responsible, and able to commit to scheduled laboratory hours.
- Good communication skills and willingness to discuss experimental results, challenges, and ideas with the research team.
Nice To Haves
- Coursework or prior experience in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, pharmacology, biotechnology, or a related discipline.
- Previous laboratory or undergraduate research experience.
- Experience with techniques such as cell culture, PCR, gel electrophoresis, microscopy, western blotting, or other molecular biology methods.
- Interest in pursuing graduate school, professional school, or a career in biomedical research.
Responsibilities
- Assist day-to-day laboratory activities such as preparing reagents, buffers, cell culture materials etc.
- Perform routine laboratory procedures such as pipetting, centrifugation, sample preparation, gel electrophoresis, and microscopy.
- Maintain accurate and organized laboratory notebooks and electronic research records.
- Assist with collection, organization, and analysis of experimental data using software such as FlowJo, ImageJ, and GraphPad Prism.
- Participate in weekly laboratory meetings and contribute to discussions of experimental design, troubleshooting, and interpretation of results.
- Review scientific literature relevant to metal biology, cell-cycle regulation, and cancer research.
- Follow all laboratory safety, biosafety, and institutional policies and procedures.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory workspace.
- Assist with preparation of research presentations, posters, and other scientific communications as opportunities arise.
- Work collaboratively with other undergraduate researchers and laboratory personnel.
- Perform other research-related duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
