Research Associate-Fixed Term

Position Summary

The Watson Laboratory is currently seeking an enthusiastic, independent, and motivated research associate. The successful candidate will be pivotal in our research focused on gastrointestinal inflammatory and infectious diseases. Our Laboratory studies the role of the microbiota (gut microbiome) in infectious disease impacting shelter kittens, neonatal and young food animals, and dogs with chronic enteropathy. Moreover, our research has expanded into the pathogenesis of infectious diseases outside of the intestine and analyzing the genomics of bacteria causing disease in both animals and humans. Our lab often collaborates with larger labs in the veterinary college and within Food Safety and Toxicology. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and executing various benchtop molecular biology assays, preparing samples for Genomics Core, and analyzing and interpreting the data (along with Dr. Watson). Other duties include setup of laboratory equipment (including cell cultures), lab organization, reagent preparation, laboratory record keeping, maintaining and validating equipment, and training and supervising student employees. Importantly, the ideal candidate will be a motivated, enthusiastic, responsible, detail oriented individual with excellent communication and organizational skills.

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, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate -Biologial Sciences or related field

Minimum Requirements

• A PhD degree in Biological Sciences, or a related field OR both an MS in Biological Sciences and DVM degree
• One to four years of hands-on experience in bench research in a laboratory environment

Desired Qualifications

• A PhD degree in Biological Sciences, or a related field OR both an MS in Biological Sciences and DVM degree
• One to four years of hands-on experience in bench research in a laboratory environment
• Broad understanding of equipment and technologies used in biomedical research, especially DNA extraction, PCR, bioinformatics, and cell culture and assays
  • An excellent candidate would have bioinformatics background in microbial genomics and microbiome 16S analyses
• Willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and procedures
• Ability to take initiative in daily lab operations
• Cooperative, enthusiastic and team-oriented individual with good organizational and troubleshooting skills, attention to detail and thoroughness in record keeping
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter, Resume, CV and names of 3 references

Special Instructions

none

Review of Applications Begins On

11/02/2020

Summary of Physical Demands

Exposure to human blood, serum, tissue and other body fluids; and materials covered under Universal Precautions.  Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue.  Risks that have been identified by Environmental Health and Safety, such as formaldehyde, pathogenic E. coli. 

Department Statement

None.

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.