Research Technologist I

Position Summary

The Department of Plant Biology is seeking to hire one or more Research Technologists. This full-time position will be split—75% in the Case & Blackwood research labs and 25% as the departmental lab and safety coordinator for the Department of Plant Biology.

Research focus in the Case and Blackwood labs include processes related to plant reproductive evolution, community ecology, and interactions between plants and microbes in soil. The Research Technologist will work with our team on laboratory, greenhouse, and field-based research projects. Specific activities include morphological and physiological trait measurements, molecular barcoding of plant and fungal tissue, plant rearing in the greenhouse, and soil characterization. Lab management duties in include organization of samples and workflows, working with PIs to implement safety and best practice policies, coordinating other lab member activities, etc. There is also opportunity to analyze data and prepare scientific results for publication and presentation. Occasional fieldwork may be required, which can include working in environmentally challenging situations (e.g., heat, driving long distances, etc.).

The successful candidate will devote 25% time to serving as the primary contact for research personnel in the Department of Plant Biology regarding laboratory safety. Responsibilities include but are not limited to scheduling annual inspections, maintaining records on shared research equipment, and addressing issues in research spaces.

Inquiries about this position can be sent to or Andrea Case, caseand4@msu.edu, or Chris Blackwood, blackw79@msu.edu. We are committed to creating a supportive and welcoming work environment and strongly encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, funded for one year with potential for renewal on an annual basis. MSU is located in East Lansing, MI, which has a very favorable cost-of-living. Start date is negotiable, preferably between 5/1/2025 and 6/15/2025.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in research employment or Plant Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques in molecular biology, plant biology, ecology, or related biological sciences; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Desired Qualifications

- Bachelors or Masters degree in a relevant field
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Comfortable learning new skills and working independently and as part of a team.
- Previous experience working in a research lab, which could include running analytical instruments, DNA or RNA extraction and sequencing, microscopy, or plant or fungal cultivation.
- Knowledge of and a desire to learn more in ecology and/or evolutionary biology.
- Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of employment

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

- Letter of interest, including interests and long‐term career goals/plans. As part of this letter, please feel free to describe any challenges or obstacles that you have overcome.
- CV/resume
- Contact information for 3 people who can provide a reference (name, position, phone number, email address)

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Bidding eligibility ends April 15, 2025 at 11:55 P.M.