Position Summary
The Assistant Professor On-Call at MSU St. Andrew’s plays a critical role in advancing applied research, supporting fee for service R&D activities, and fostering STEM education and community engagement. This position provides hands on laboratory and research support, collaborates with internal and external stakeholders, and contributes to the operational success and reputation of MSU St. Andrew’s as a research and teaching institution. The role requires strong communication, organization, adaptability, and a commitment to mentorship and collaborative teamwork. This On-Call position requires on site presence five days per week.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
• Routine work with chemicals, laboratory equipment, and associated hazards.
• Use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is required.
• Involves handling raw materials, waste disposal, and equipment cleaning consistent with safety standards.
Research 70-90%
• Carry out laboratory research and fee-for service activities under authorized and signed R&D contracts with external customers
o Develop methods of chemical and physical analysis as needed by external customers to support project goals
o Planning and executing experiments (wet chemistry) in accordance with client needs and expectations
o Interact with external customers using either online or in person meetings as desired by external customers to set, modify, and carry out project goals
o Maintain confidentiality of R&D information that is owned by external customers
o Maintain familiarity with the scientific literature that is pertinent to work covered under R&D contracts – carry out regular literature searches to enhance knowledge that will maximize benefit to external customers as well as to MSU
o Document laboratory results and maintain a detailed professional laboratory notebook in clearly written reports as required by external customers to summarize and communicate R&D results
o When allowed under terms of R&D contracts, publish novel results in peer-reviewed journals to enhance the reputation of MSU as a teaching and research institution
o Submit invention disclosures to MSU Technologies as needed
o Holding meetings and seeking to expand research opportunities for MSU St Andrews with new clients
St. Andrews Facility & Community - 10%
• Participate actively in MSU St Andrews laboratory and building safety activities – promote an overall atmosphere of clean and safe working conditions and a “safety first” mindset
• Participate actively in weekly MSU St Andrews staff meetings, either online or in person
• Ensure MSU St Andrews laboratory and analytical equipment is maintained in top working order with regular maintenance activities
• Be available for teaching MSU lecture or lab courses as may be occasionally requested
STEM Education Programs – 0-20%
• Design and develop novel R&D projects for the summer high school internship program at MSU St Andrews, during years when this program is authorized and funded
• Actively direct, coach, and mentor summer internship students in the context of an active research program
• Write letters of recommendation for student interns as requested
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 Degree
Terminal - Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related fields
Minimum Requirements
Required Education: PhD in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering or related fields
Technical Skills: Requires laboratory skills, proficiency with laboratory equipment, mathematics, measurements.
Soft Skills: Communication, collaboration, critical thinking, organization, adaptability, time management, organizational skills.
Required Experience: Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience executing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining a variety of laboratory equipment, performing specialized and difficult analytical and research techniques; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Desired Qualifications
• Experience: Three to five years of experience independently designing research experiments in an area related to research being performed; Organic chemistry experimental experience; experience running instrumentation and maintenance of a lab notebook preferred.
• Supervision: Experience directing the activities of laboratory technicians as needed, providing coaching and mentoring to new researchers who will assist with contract R&D duties
Required Application Materials
Work Hours
5 days/wk, 8am - 5pm
Summary of Health Risks
Prepares equipment for chemical processes by utilizing appropriate cleaning methods, moving raw materials, and moving waste for appropriate disposal. This position involves routinely working with chemicals and the use of appropriate PPE.
Website
https://standrews.msu.edu/
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.
