Job of The Week: Research Assistant II

This week’s featured job is a Research Assistant II for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (job posting 1098880). If you are interested in working with the MSU Field Crops Pathology Program and assisting with disease-focused field research across Michigan, this may be the role for you.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources provides students with an academically challenging environment where they put their knowledge and skills into practice, not only on campus but around the globe. The Chilvers Field Crops Pathology Program, part of the MSU Field Crops Pathology Program,  investigates diseases of soybean, corn, wheat, barley, and dry bean—combining field and laboratory research to advance disease management strategies and improve crop productivity. The program uses various new technologies and GPS-guided equipment and works closely with industry and academic collaborators. 

In this position, you will work closely with the field and laboratory teams to organize, design, plant, maintain, and harvest field research trials. You will be responsible for collecting and analyzing samples and data, coordinating and conducting disease scouting, plant vigor assessments, and treatment evaluations, among other duties. Find a complete list of responsibilities in the job posting.

This position requires knowledge equivalent to that of a four-year degree, preferably in Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Entomology, or other plant-related fields. You should have three to five years of work experience in overseeing research projects and laboratory operations, operating and maintaining laboratory equipment, performing specialized and challenging analytical techniques, and designing research strategies. Effective communication, organizational, and teamwork skills, along with a commitment to safety and a passion for field-based plant disease research, are desired. 
Learn more on the MSU Field Crop Pathology website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and two letters of reference, and should be submitted by December 30.

Job of The Week: Research Assistant III

This week’s featured job is a Research Assistant III with the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology in the MSU College of Osteopathic Medicine (job posting 1098373). If you are an experienced research professional with a passion for molecular biology, immunology, and translational science, and you’re interested in contributing to One Health initiatives, this may be the role for you.

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, founded in 1966, is dedicated to discovering new therapies, understanding how toxins affect the body, and preparing the next generation of scientific and healthcare leaders. With a collaborative and innovative environment, the department drives research in drug discovery and development and offers a range of graduate and post-graduate programs that help students build successful careers in many diverse fields.

In this position, you will support ongoing studies within the laboratory with Dr. Andrea Gonzales, where you will carry out research on Th2 cytokines in atopic dermatitis across companion animals and humans. You will study neuro-immune interactions to identify molecular mechanisms underlying atopic disease in the hopes of identifying novel therapeutic targets. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the One Health concept and be a part of the growth in MSU’s drug discovery program. Find a complete list of duties in the job posting. 

This position requires knowledge equivalent to a Master’s of Science in Biology, Animal Science, Pharmacology, Toxicology, or a related field, and one to three years of progressively responsible research experience. It is desired to have at least five years of laboratory experience, strong technical expertise, and familiarity with multi-species research models.

 Learn more on the MSU Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology website. To learn more about or apply for this position, please visit the MSU Careers website. Applications require a cover letter and resume, and should be submitted by December 16.