Job Information
Michigan State University(MSU) Research Assistant II in East Lansing, Michigan
Position Summary
The research technician position involves using a multi-disciplinary approach, contemporary laboratory techniques, and emerging technologies to interrogate bacterial pathogens, particularly those with zoonotic potential. The successful applicant will perform duties in shared laboratory space to support the activities in the Watson (50%) and Zimmerman (50%) research groups. Both laboratories seek an enthusiastic, motivated, organized, detail-oriented, and independent individual to join their growing teams.
The Watson laboratory focuses on research investigating (1) the role of the gut microbiome in companion and production animals with acute or chronic diarrhea, and (2) the mechanisms used by pathogenic organisms to evade the intestinal microbiota and host barrier defense. Current projects include characterizing the gut microbiota populations of the gastrointestinal tract of normal cats and fecal microbiota of shelter kittens with diarrhea and investigating the genetics and pathogenicity of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) in dogs compared to ExPEC in humans. Future studies will involve characterizing gut microbiota in piglets and elucidating the mechanisms by which beneficial and deleterious bacteria affect barrier function in cell culture. Our group often also collaborates with other laboratories within the College of Veterinary Medicine and within Food Safety and Toxicology.
The Zimmerman laboratory is engaged primarily in hypothesis-driven research aimed at 1) identifying how bacterial pathogens modify their gene expression profiles during infection, 2) characterizing novel, non-essential virulence determinants that are important to bacterial fitness in the host, 3) developing improved and biologically-relevant animal models of infection, and 4) utilizing novel virulence factors to advance and/or develop medical diagnostics and countermeasures (monoclonal antibodies and vaccines). Current projects involve studying Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) in various host species (mice, primates, pigs, calves, sheep, and humans).
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 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. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.
Desired Qualifications
- Graduate degree (MS or PhD) in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, or another related field
- Previous experience with microbial genetics and/or bioinformatics
- Previous experience with small and large animal models of infection
- Previous experience initiating and managing research projects
Willingness and initiative to learn new laboratory techniques and procedures
Outstanding trouble-shooting skills
Cooperative, enthusiastic, and team-oriented personality
Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Microbiology, Infectious Diseases, or another related field
>2 years hands-on, bench-top experience in a research laboratory environment
Strong foundational knowledge regarding equipment, technology, safety, sterility, and protocols used in biomedical research (see specific responsibilities section for further detail)
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