Position Summary
The focus is on Borrelia spirochetes (Lyme disease and relapsing fever spirochetes) although other pathogens are studied as well. The person must have BSL-2 experience and good animal handling skills. The duties will include but are not limited to the following.
The person will be expected to perform research experiments overseen by Principal Investigator, yet the individual must be a self-starter with superb work ethics and strong analytical skills (the strong ability to work and learn independently). The person must also have the strong ability to multi-task and work cooperatively with others. The individual must be highly detail-oriented, and have good written and oral communication skills. The person should have a strong ability to troubleshoot problems.
The work includes but is not limited to the following laboratory techniques: isolation of nucleic acids, quantitative PCR, Reverse Transcriptase-PCR, bacterial transformation, cloning, culturing and maintenance of bacterial strains, protein purification, western blotting, ELISA and other immunological techniques (e.g., antibody titration). The individual is expected to handle animals (e.g., mice) as well as ticks. The procedures will include but are not limited to animal challenge by various routes (e.g., i.v., i.p., tissue transplantation), euthanasia, tissue harvest from alive or euthanized animals, collecting and crashing ticks, maintaining tick and/or animal colonies if necessary. Besides basic computer skills, the person must be able to effectively learn, master, and utilize various software and online programs (e.g., MacVector, Geneious, Prism, Canvas, NCBI). The person will provide training and supervision to the laboratory personnel (e.g., students),
The person is expected to operate, calibrate and maintain laboratory/field instruments and equipment (e.g., (e.g., periodic calibration and clean ups of CO2 incubators, pH meter, fridges, freezer) to ensure proper functioning, accuracy and compliance with written specifications. The person will also be responsible for ordering various laboratory supplies/equipment, animals, ticks, maintaining pertinent records (e.g., notebooks, freezer logs), developing and maintaining standard operation procedures (SOPs); and shipping hazardous materials.
The person may be responsible for ensuring that the laboratory personnel are up-to-date in terms of their required trainings; overseeing laboratory safety compliance (e.g., supervising hazardous wastes). The person may have to travel to get trained, and to go to conferences/meetings to present lab research projects.
Minimum Requirements
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 science fields; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in standard laboratory procedures and safety requirements and performing analytical and research techniques 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. The position may require special licensing or certificate in the field related to the area of employment.
Desired Qualifications
B.S. degree in relevant fields. Experience with most lab techniques listed above.
Experience with analyses and presentation of research data.
The ability to contribute to the experimental design.
The ability to independently and steadily update oneself with relevant research literature.
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/CV
- Cover Letter
- Names of 3 references that may be asked to write reference letters
- Proof of education and/or training (degrees, certifications, and/or school transcripts)
Special Instructions
You may contact Artem Rogovsky at rogovsky@msu.edu if you have any questions.
Work Hours
40-hours/week; exact hours may deviate from standard 8AM – 5PM as determined by experiments
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://cvm.msu.edu/pdi
Summary of Physical Demands
Be able to lift and move 60lbs.
Summary of Health Risks
BSL2 Environment
Bidding eligibility ends September 17, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.
