Research Associate I, II, III, or Sr

MSU Jobs•Starkville, MS

17d•Onsite

About The Position

Plans, executes, facilitates and promotes advanced scientific research projects in Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center. Incorporates innovation and develops advances in research concepts, methodologies and approaches as needed. Designs, develops and tests new equipment, instruments, reagents, and/or experimental protocols for research (including hardware, software, statistical methods, etc.). Collaborates with researchers as appropriate. Participates in the preparation and writing of grant/contract applications and reports and may serve as coauthor of scientific research manuscripts. May supervise other research staff. Salary Grade : 13 Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department. Area of Specialization: Laminitis Research Center

Requirements

Grade and salary will be commensurate with individual’s background, education and experience.
Beginning with a bachelor’s degree: A professional employee with a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Laboratory Science, Data Science or related field, and demonstrated competence can begin at the Research Associate I level.
To begin at the Research Associate II level, one must have a bachelor's degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master's degree.
To begin at the Research Associate III level, one must have a bachelor’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of six years relevant experience and the equivalent of the master's degree.
Beginning with a master’s degree: A professional employee with a master’s degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Laboratory Science, Data Science or related field, one year of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate II level.
To begin at the Research Associate III level, one must have a master’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience and the equivalent of a master’s degree.
To begin at the Senior Research Associate level, one must have a master’s degree in the required discipline and a minimum of six years relevant experience.
Beginning with a doctoral degree: A professional employee with a doctoral degree in Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Laboratory Science, Data Science or related field with two years of relevant experience and demonstrated competence can begin work at the Research Associate III level.
To begin at the Senior Research Associate level, one must have a doctoral degree in the required discipline and a minimum of three years relevant experience.
Has established scientific expertise; knows and effectively uses the fundamental concepts, practices, and procedures that field of specialization.
Ability to organize, interpret data, and derive study conclusions
Ability to advance state-of-the-art scientific research in field of specialization.
Ability to apply extensive and advanced principles, theories, and concepts.
Ability to contribute to the development of solutions to complex problems that require innovation and ingenuity. Project management skills
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Able to write reports at the college level and verbally communicate to a wide variety of audiences, including program leadership and the scientific community.

Nice To Haves

Proficient with data analysis tools
Experience preparing scientific datasets and documentation for accession into long term data archives
Experience in creating/editing standards-based metadata

Responsibilities

Perform molecular and biochemical techniques, including DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, western blotting, ELISA, immunohistochemistry, and histology, with accuracy and consistency.
Maintain cell and tissue cultures under aseptic conditions, preparing media, monitoring cell lines, and ensuring contamination-free environments.
Prepare biological samples for analysis by fixing, embedding, sectioning, and staining tissues for histologic and microscopic evaluation.
Execute quantitative assays and record data accurately to ensure reproducibility and compliance with standard operating procedures.
Apply principles of molecular biology to prepare reagents, optimize protocols, and troubleshoot technical issues as they arise.
Demonstrate meticulous attention to detail in experimental procedures, data collection, labeling, and electronic record management.
Ensure compliance with laboratory accreditation standards and implement Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) procedures to support a culture of safety and regulatory readiness.
Operate laboratory instrumentation, including analyzers, centrifuges, spectrophotometers, microscopes, and thermal cyclers, ensuring proper calibration and maintenance.
Organize work efficiently, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines within a fast-paced research environment.
Collaborate effectively with faculty, researchers, students, and technical staff to achieve project and laboratory goals.
Utilize Microsoft Office applications and other digital tools to analyze data, prepare reports, and communicate results.
Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations to manage supply ordering, inventory control, equipment upkeep, and coordination with vendors and service providers, and contribute to continuous improvement by implementing internal audits and lab reviews.