Careers @ MSU

Position Summary(Basic Job Function)

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term: Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

Unit Position Summary

Seasonal Lab Technician - Kellogg Biological Station (Hickory Corners, MI)

This is a seasonal field based part-time assistant technician position.  Job duties and responsibilities include:
1).  Data acquisition-- assisting with plant surveys, germination census, measuring plant traits (height, number of leaves, specific leaf area), weighing plant biomass, and counting seeds.  
2).  Assisting with project/experiment support.  This may include assisting with moving rain out shelters, light repair work on open top chambers (OTCs), marking field plots.
3).  Data entry and data proofing-- entering data into Excel spreadsheets and proofing data entry.

Desired Qualifications

The work will be completed either by working in small groups, as part of a "team", or working independently.  All independent work will have training with Mark Hammond.  Ideally, candidates have an interest in plant biology, natural resources, agriculture, or a relevated field.  A valid Michigan driver's license is required and their own transportation.

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

1 page resume

Special Instructions

The position is likely 20-30 hours per week on average.  May thru mid-August.  The nature and specifics of the work is somewhat weather dependent.  The majority (2/3) of the appointment will be in Dr. Phoebe Zarnetske's lab.  An additional 1/3 of the appointment may be supporting Dr. Jen Lau's research.  All of the appointment will be assisting Mark Hammond (Senior Research Technician and Lab Manager for both Dr. Lau and Dr. Zarnetske).

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Summary of Health Risks

There are ticks present in the field.  So checking for ticks is necessary.  Light long sleeve shirts and pants are recommended to reduce the risk of tick bits and sunburns.

Summary of Physical Demands

Physical demands include light lifting (25 lbs).  Light pushing and pulling of equipment.  Bending, kneeling, stooping over, and reaching to measure plants.

Candidates should expect to work outside.  The field site is the KBS LTER.  Field conditions may be uncomfortable (hot, humid, insects are present).  Mosquitoes are generally NOT an issue.