Research Assistant I

Position Summary

Our lab is dedicated to the development of improved therapeutics for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) with current efforts aimed principally at bringing CaV1.3-RNAi gene therapy to patients with PD. A Research Assistant I (RAI) is expected to participate in the multi-disciplinary approaches used in our lab including, but are not limited to, stereotaxic surgery; animal behavior/analysis; postmortem dual/triple labeled fluorescent immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization; advanced microscopy including confocal; stereological &/or computer-assisted image analyses. Candidate must be capable of working independently but importantly must be willing to work as part of a team. The RAI will participate actively in bench research as well as data/statistical analyses; they will participate in experimental design, and reagent ordering and preparation; they will assist with overall laboratory maintenance and operations. An RAI in our laboratory will be expected to gather and analyze data, and graph results, appropriate for use in scientific publications and/or presentation.

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry 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; Requires software specific to the area of research in Prism, Imaris, Microbrightfield; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal and communication (writing and speaking skills)
• Self-motivated; strongly reliable; have a history of willingness to be an active member of team science
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs, Outlook, and Graphpad Prism software
• Previous experience in a life science laboratory
• Master’s degree from an accredited university (e.g., biology, molecular biology, neuroscience, biochemistry), preferred
• Familiarity with Zen, ImageJ, Adobe Illustrator, and Imaris software
• Strong understanding of statistical tests and analyses for life sciences

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

CV
Cover Letter
Contact information for 2 references

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is an off date position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Website

http://translationalscience.msu.edu/

Summary of Health Risks

Work with animals or unfixed animal tissue

Bidding eligibility ends April 7, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.