Position Summary
The small-molecule regulation group led by Dr. Aleksandra Skirycz at Michigan State University seeks a research technologist with expertise in wet lab molecular biology or biochemistry. The technician will work closely with the other lab members on projects that identify and characterize novel small-molecule compounds involved in plant growth and stress tolerance. The experimental tasks will include Arabidopsis growth (in soil and in vitro), nucleic acids, protein and metabolite extraction, protein expression and purification, enzymatic activity assays, and protein-ligand binding assays. The person would also be expected to assist in the lab organizational tasks, including ordering and restocking reagents and consumables, preparing standard buffers and reagents, and maintaining plasmid and seed stocks. The technician will also assist in training high school and undergraduate students. The technician will be encouraged to contribute to the experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation, present their work, participate in meetings and workshops, and contribute to manuscripts. The principal investigator (PI), Dr. Skirycz, is committed to mentoring the lab members in a manner that best suits their needs and career goals.
The Skirycz Lab is committed to unraveling the intricate roles of metabolites, particularly in the context of organismal health. While our primary focus is on plants, we also work with other model organisms. Recognizing that metabolites exert their effects by binding and regulating protein partners, we use diverse biochemical methods coupled with mass-spectrometry-based proteomics and metabolomics to map protein-metabolite interactomes to guide our work.
The technician is expected to have wet lab experience in molecular biology or biochemistry. The different group members will introduce the technicians to the experimental techniques used in the lab, and the technicians will be expected to develop independence in their duties associated with this position over time.
Website: https://askiryczlab.org/
This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Specific Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field
• Wet lab experience in molecular biology or biochemistry
• Experience in keeping detailed lab records
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Knowledge of best practices for safety in wet lab
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Good communication skills
• Experience working with plants is an advantage
• Experience with protein work and especially protein purification is an advantage
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or other related field; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques in the specific or related field; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The job may require the appropriate pesticide applicator's registration/certification and/or experience working with potentially dangerous research animals.
• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biochemistry or a related field
• Wet lab experience in molecular biology or biochemistry
• Experience in keeping detailed lab records
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Knowledge of best practices for safety in wet lab
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Good communication skills
Desired Qualifications
Experience working with plants
Experience with protein work and especially protein purification
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
1. A 1–2-page cover letter that describes your interest in this position, your relevant previous experiences, and your skillset
2. Your resume or CV
3. Your unofficial transcript
4. Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for two professional references
Special Instructions
For more information, please contact Dr. Aleksandra Skirycz (skirycza@msu.edu) with the subject line " Questions about Technician Position 2024 ".
Work Hours
STANDARD 8-5
Description of End Date
This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Website
https://bmb.natsci.msu.edu/
Bidding eligibility ends June 25, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.
