Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides technical support. Responsibilities may include computer programming or operations; research support; medical patient care; technical equipment maintenance, repair, fabrication or operation; or other technical support functions.
Unit Position Summary
Michigan State University is a member of the Centers of Disease Control-funded Midwest Center of Excellence for vector borne disease (http://mcevbd.wisc.edu) And one of the goals of the center is to build capacity in research of vector and vector-borne pathogen biology, ecology, management and control. Toward that end, Michigan State University, seeks to hire one enthusiastic, energetic, and intrepid technician who has a passion for conducting research and disease ecology, medical entomology, public health surveillance, and or emerging infectious diseases. This position will comprise a combination of environmental sampling for ticks as well as some laboratory analysis and data analysis.
Purpose: Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in North America due to many ecological changes driving the spread of the black legged tick.
Michigan is a classic example where black legged tick has been emerging across the landscape, but where many citizens as well as medical professionals are unaware of the rapidly changing geographic risk of disease. We have the rare opportunity to conduct research to reduce exposure to the Lyme disease tick and other ticks.
This technician will assist in research supported by the CDC funded Midwest Center of Excellence for a vector-borne diseases and will be based mainly in Meridian Township.
The technician has the opportunity to lead an independent project as well as contribute to the writing of a scientific manuscript.
Technician Duties and Responsibilities
Characterize densities of busting tips by drag sampling
Identify collective vectors in laboratory using dissecting Microsoft or dichotomous keys
Assay vectors in laboratory for pathogens using molecular diagnostic methods
Maintain and organize meticulous field and as well as shared laboratory databases
Summarizing and communicate results in the form of a scientific manuscript submitted for publication
Support other ongoing projects in the field including; Conducting radio telemetry, characterize vegetation, land use and landscape characteristics associated with the blacklegged and other tick species, characterizing wildlife species visiting study sites through camera trap surveillance
University owned vehicles and/personal vehicles may be used for transportation, if a personal vehicle is used mileage will be reimbursed.
Desired Qualifications
Education: minimum of 48 college level credits completed as preferred.
Experience:
- Experience sampling for text by drag sampling
- Experience identifying collective vectors in laboratory using dissecting microscope and dichotomous keys
- Experience conducting nucleic acid extractions, nested or quantitative PCR (Experiencing conducting genetic sequencing is desired, not required.
Important knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Ability to work in harsh weather conditions in remote locations which may include uneven terrain, lack of phone connectivity, exposure to hot/humid temperatures, mosquitoes/ticks, and potentially poisonous plants.
• Ability to be flexible with type of research activities and scheduling if necessary.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with others including fellow workers as well as the public.
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to work weekends as needed.
• Ability to pay attention to detail and have excellent eyesight.
• Ability to drive a vehicle in the state of Michigan.
• Ability to read and use a map.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office.
• Ability to put together a scientific presentation.
Technicians should expect:
• To participate in a variety of research including tick surveillance, tick behavior experiments, and laboratory work.
• To obtain instruction on the ecology, epidemiology, and public health measures of Lyme and several other tick-borne diseases in the north-central and northeastern U.S.
• To obtain guidance and instruction on field vector surveillance activities and how these data are used by public health and researchers to prevent disease.
• To obtain travel support for field efforts (meals are not included).
• To use their own personal computer.
• To work, travel, and potentially lodge with another person.
• To work long hours due to the nature of field work.
• To obtain additional guidance and instruction on standard molecular laboratory protocols and how these data are used by public health and researchers to prevent disease.
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, Cover letter*
Work Hours
ON-CALL
