Careers @ MSU

Position Summary

The Barrick and Lenski Labs in the Department of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology at Michigan State University are seeking a Research Assistant II to manage their research operations and participate in projects related to microbial evolution and synthetic biology. This position will focus on: (1) maintaining general laboratory operations and organization, (2) sustaining the long-term evolution experiment with E. coli (https://the-ltee.org); (3) experimentally characterizing phenotypic and genomic changes in these and other evolving microbial populations, and (4) utilizing synthetic biology and computational approaches to analyze the dynamics of evolution in this and other similar experiments. As time allows, there will be opportunities t o engage in other ongoing projects in the Barrick and Lenski Labs.  

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Microbiology, Computational Biology, Bioinformatics, Molecular Biology, Integrative Biology, Evolutionary Biology, Biochemistry, or a related 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.

Desired Qualifications

Propagating bacteria; managing strain collections (including maintaining databases, securing MTAs, and sharing material s); cloning and genetic engineering methods; programming; bioinformatics; statistics; analyzing data and writing scientific papers; preparing proposals and project reports; training and mentoring graduate and undergraduate students; maintaining laboratory equipment and ordering supplies; and helping to oversee laboratory safety.

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 one-page cover letter describing your background, re search skills, and career goals; a CV; and contact information for 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

https://mgi.natsci.msu.edu/

Bidding eligibility ends May 5, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.