Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Lab Manager/Research Assistant II

Position Summary

Position Summary:

The Walker lab is recruiting a full-time Research Assistant in the Plant Research Laboratory at Michigan State University. This role will be integral to maintaining a cutting-edge facility for studying photosynthesis in plants through a combination of molecular, biochemical and gas-exchange-based approaches.

This person will be:

• Responsible for routine laboratory tasks such as media preparation and molecular work
• Performing biochemical analysis, light field work and other primary research duties 
• Responsible for accounting for lab inventory 
• Managing establishment of a Wiki outlining the standard protocols/operations for the lab 
• Becoming familiar with proper waste management, chemical labeling/storage and related laboratory requirements 
• Serve as a contact in the lab to orient students and researchers with lab and department resources 

A successful candidate will be able to:

• assist in lab and field sampling and biochemical/molecular analysis
• troubleshoot gas exchange instrumentation
• maintain stocks of autoclaved reagents and laboratory supplies
• review primary literature for developing essays and preparing work for publication

Minimum Requirements

The job requires: knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Biology, Molecular Biology, or Biochemistry or related science 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; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Willingness to learn about safety compliance and procedures for the lab.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with enzymology or protein expression/purification
• Experience in lab compliance/safety procedures
• Experience troubleshooting instrumentation

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 and three references. 

Special Instructions

If you are interested, please contact Dr. Berkley Walker at berkley@msu.edu with questions. Applications will be evaluated as they are received.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an end-dated position funded for one year from start date, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

https://prl.natsci.msu.edu/

Bidding eligibility ends August 18, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.