Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

The candidate should have experience working with mammalian oocytes and reproductive tissues, assisted reproductive technologies (ART), advanced microscopy and micromanipulation techniques, and live animal handling for the purpose of ovarian tissue and follicle collection. Experience performing in vitro maturation (IVM), ICSI, embryo culture, and histological processing of reproductive tissues is preferred. Exceptional attention to detail is required given the precision demands of micromanipulation procedures. The candidate will be expected to learn and apply confocal and other advanced microscopy methods. This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent on available funding.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Follows established procedures and protocols in order to generate and process experimental data for use by other researchers.
• Assists in compiling test results for future composition of reports, publications, and presentations by other researchers.
• Operates, maintains, and monitors research instruments and equipment, including inverted microscopes, micromanipulators, heated stages, and CO₂ incubators.
• Orders supplies and equipment in order to maintain laboratory inventories.
• Maintains animal colonies and oocyte/follicle stocks for laboratory use, including monitoring reproductive cycles and scheduling tissue collections.
• Prepares solutions and mixtures for injections, culture media, and stains by measuring and mixing appropriate chemicals and reagents.
• Images and documents oocytes, embryos, and reproductive tissues for examination and publication.
• Processes tissues for microscopic examination using techniques such as timed fluid changes, paraffin embedding/fresh frozen, sectioning, and staining.
• Supervises and instructs students in the performance of basic laboratory techniques.
  Assists in surgical and procedural techniques and administration of injections to, and the care of, experimental animals.
• Performs post-operative care of animals in order to aid in their recovery and to complete experiments if needed.
• Monitors and controls hazardous and other materials used in laboratory procedures.
• Cleans, prepares, and stores glassware and materials used in experiments by washing, acid-washing, and sterilizing.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of Reproductive Science, Reproductive Physiology, Animal Science, or other related field; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques in Reproductive Science, Reproductive Physiology, Animal Science or related field; hands-on experience with oocyte retrieval, handling, and in vitro maturation (IVM); demonstrated proficiency in advanced light microscopy and micromanipulation techniques including ICSI; experience working with animal models for reproductive research, including ovarian follicle isolation and oocyte collection; familiarity with embryo culture systems, culture media preparation, and aseptic technique in an ART laboratory setting; high attention to detail with demonstrated ability to perform precise, delicate laboratory procedures; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

• Prior experience in an IVF or ART research laboratory
• Experience with histological processing and microscopic examination of reproductive tissues
• Familiarity with cryopreservation techniques (oocyte or embryo vitrification)
• Experience with data analysis and scientific writing

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

Please submit a cover letter that includes your available start date and short-term career plan for the next three years, your CV, two to three letters of recommendation, and three references.

Special Instructions

Please submit a cover letter that includes your available start date and short-term career plan for the next three years, your CV, two to three letters of recommendation, and three references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

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

obgyn.msu.edu

The Bidding Eligibility ends on 03/17/2026 at 11:55 PM