Research Lab Technician - Michigan State University

The Ganz Laboratory (www.ganzlab.org) at Michigan State University is looking to fill an immediate opening for the position of a Research Lab Technician. We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated and responsible individual to join an exciting research team focused on understanding nervous system development and disease using zebrafish as model organism. The successful applicant will be involved in research using molecular, genomics and imaging techniques to understand how stem cells generate a diverse and complex nervous system during development, in the context of human disease and during regeneration.

Position summary: Our research focuses on understanding how the development and regeneration of the nervous system is regulated using zebrafish as a model organism. The ideal candidate will be expected to perform and document a variety of tasks in a timely, accurate and detailed manner, meet with the PI on a weekly basis and provide support to graduate students and postdocs in the lab. Primary duties may include, but are not limited to: perform experiments under supervision of laboratory head; provide support with molecular biology, developmental biology and imaging projects; ordering supplies and equipment; lab supply and equipment maintenance and organization; maintaining and documenting lab cleanliness and safety standards; managing lab databases (such as plasmid database, antibody database); equipment maintenance; supervising and training undergraduate students, staff and volunteers; conducting literature reviews on various topics related to developmental biology, neuroscience and genetics. 

Minimum requirements: Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Neuroscience or related field of biological sciences; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in a biology research lab; experience with standard molecular biology techniques; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Desired qualifications: Master's degree in Biology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Neuroscience or related field; one to two years post degree experience working in a molecular biology/neuroscience lab; knowledge of zebrafish biology, development, and genetics; experience with microscopy work and imaging techniques; experience with next generation sequencing approaches; strong communication and interpersonal skills; strong time management skills; strong organizational skills; evidence of experience with project planning; evidence of enthusiasm to master new techniques; evidence of accurate performance and attention to detail; evidence of successful completion of prior research goals; evidence of accurate and detailed record keeping; experience with use of various desktop computer software (Microsoft Office, Dropbox, etc.).  

This is a full-time appointment, and offers excellent benefits (healthcare, dental, etc.). The initial appointment will be for a 6-month probationary period, after which yearly reappointments will be made for successful and productive candidates.

To apply please go to: https://jobs.msu.edu/ - Position number: 4909

Closing date for applications is April 25, 2017.