Research Technologist I

Research Technologist I

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Job no: 1141126

Work type: Support Staff

Pay Grade: 08

Major Administrative Unit / College: Research And Innovation

Department: Great Lakes Bioenergy Researc Ctr Vprgs 10059425

Sub Area: CT- Clerical Tech.

Salary: Salary Commensurate with Experience

Location: East Lansing

Categories: Research/Scientific, Clerical Technical- CT, Full Time (90-100%), Union

Position Summary

A Research Technologist position is available immediately with the Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) at Michigan State University. The position will be located in the research laboratory of Dr. Federica Brandizzi.

We seek a motivated candidate to join our lab to support both plant maintenance and experimental research. A major component of this role involves careful cultivation, monitoring, and upkeep of sorghum and Arabidopsis plants in growth chambers, greenhouses, and field settings. In parallel, the candidate will assist with experiments investigating the molecular and physiological mechanisms underlying plant performance, with the goal of identifying strategies to improve resilience and productivity under both controlled and natural conditions. The candidate's primary duties include following established protocols/assays to investigate cell wall enzymes and transcription factors by cloning, extracting mixed-linkage glucan, gDNA, and RNA to generate, record, and assist in analyzing data from transgenic Arabidopsis, Brachypodium and Sorghum plants. The candidate will also be responsible for growing research plants, identifying possible pest infection, photograph plants, phenotyping, maintaining clean and organized growth spaces, and other research records necessary for publication. Lastly, the candidate will prepare media and standard stock solutions by mixing appropriate chemicals.

Minimum Requirements

Basic plant biology, genetics, cellular, and molecular biology knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in plant biology, genetics, microbiology, molecular biology, or related field. The candidate should possess up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in basic research techniques; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

This position requires basic knowledge of growing plants, identifying possible pest infection, photographing plants, and maintaining very accurate and detailed phenotyping and other research records.


Desired Qualifications

Excellent communication, collaboration, and record keeping skills. Experience working in the greenhouse/field is highly desirable. Experience with DNA/RNA/protein is preferred.


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

Please provide a cover letter describing your interest in and relevant skills for this position, a current resume, and the names and contact information for three references.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

This is a limited term position funded from date of hire through 11/30/2027, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

Bidding eligibility ends on June 23, 2026, at 11:55 PM

Advertised: Jun 17, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

Applications close: Jun 30, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time