Position Summary

The research technician position involves using a multi-disciplinary approach, contemporary laboratory techniques, and emerging technologies to interrogate bacterial pathogens, particularly those with zoonotic potential. The successful applicant will perform duties in shared laboratory space to support the activities in the Watson (50%) and Zimmerman (50%) research groups. Both laboratories seek an enthusiastic, motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and independent individual to join their growing teams.

The Watson laboratory focuses on research investigating (1) the role of the gut microbiome in companion and production animals with acute or chronic diarrhea, and (2) the mechanisms used by pathogenic organisms to evade the intestinal microbiota and host barrier defense. Current projects include characterizing the gut microbiota populations of the gastrointestinal tract of normal cats and fecal microbiota of shelter kittens with diarrhea and investigating the genetics and pathogenicity of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) in dogs compared to ExPEC in humans. Future studies will involve characterizing gut microbiota in piglets and elucidating the mechanisms by which beneficial and deleterious bacteria affect barrier function in cell culture. Our group often also collaborates with other laboratories within the College of Veterinary Medicine and within Food Safety and Toxicology.

The Zimmerman laboratory is engaged primarily in hypothesis-driven research aimed at 1) identifying how bacterial pathogens modify their gene expression profiles during infection, 2) characterizing novel, non-essential virulence determinants that are important to bacterial fitness in the host, 3) developing improved and biologically-relevant animal models of infection, and 4) utilizing novel virulence factors to advance and/or develop medical diagnostics and countermeasures (monoclonal antibodies and vaccines). Current projects involve studying Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) in various host species (mice, primates, pigs, calves, sheep, and humans).

Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or related science field; three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques, and designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, or another related field
• Previous experience with microbial genetics and/or bioinformatics
• Previous experience with small and large animal models of infection
• Previous experience initiating and managing research projects

• Willingness and initiative to learn new laboratory techniques and procedures
• Outstanding trouble-shooting skills
• Cooperative, enthusiastic, and team-oriented personality
• Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, or another related field
• >2 years hands-on, bench-top experience in a research laboratory environment
• Strong foundational knowledge regarding equipment, technology, safety, sterility, and protocols used in biomedical research (see specific responsibilities section for further detail)
• Excellent oral and written communication 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, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Names of 3 references that may be asked to write reference letters
• Proof of education and/or training (degrees, certifications, and/or school transcripts)

Special Instructions

Informal inquiries are welcome to either to Dr. Victoria Watson (watsonvi@msu.edu) or Dr. Shawn Zimmerman (zimme374@msu.edu).  You may also visit our website https://cvm.msu.edu/PDI.

Work Hours

Work Hours 40-hours/week; exact hours may deviate from standard 8AM – 5PM as determined by experiments

Description of End Date

This is an off-dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://cvm.msu.edu/pdi

Summary of Physical Demands

Position requires standing and sitting for prolonged periods of time, repetitive motion, lifting up to 50 lbs.

Summary of Health Risks

Laboratory hazards include various chemical hazards, physical hazards (sharps, autoclave, pressurized gas tanks, cryotanks, heat-emitting devices), and biohazards (microorganisms, unfixed and fixed animal fluids and tissues, unfixed and fixed human fluids and tissues).

Bidding eligibility ends May 14, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.