Research Technologist I

About the role

The Hulin Lab is seeking a Research Technologist to support projects on plant pathogenic bacteria evolution. Duties include media and buffer preparation, DNA/RNA extractions, data entry, plant maintenance, general molecular techniques, cloning to generate bacterial mutants, assisting lab members with data collection and field work, and laboratory administration such as ordering, organizing strain collections, and protocol documentation.

Responsibilities

• 40% Laboratory work supporting research project: cloning of plasmid vectors for bacterial gene deletion/heterologous expression mutants, pathogenicity testing of mutants on plants, phenotyping bacterial mutants on specific media, DNA/RNA extractions, assisting with team data collection during large-scale experiments and field work.
• 30% Laboratory maintenance: media and buffer preparation, plant maintenance, organization of consumables, generating stocks of competent E. coli for transformations, training undergraduate research assistants in these techniques.
• 20% Laboratory administration: ordering, filing, updating SOPs, keeping laboratory culture collection databases up to date.
• 10% Data entry from large-scale pathogenicity tests and bacterial phenotyping assays.

Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to a four-year college degree in biological sciences, plant pathology, or microbiology; up to six months of related and progressively more responsible work experience in basic research techniques in the specific or related field; proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet, database and/or desktop publishing software, presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory skills such as media and stock preparation, sterile techniques.
• Basic molecular biology skills: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis.
• Strong organizational skills in and out of the laboratory.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Desired attributes: previous research on plant pathogenic bacteria, field work experience, familiarity with molecular cloning techniques.

Schedule

Standard work hours: 8 am–5 pm.

For inquiries contact Dr. Michelle Hulin (hulinmic@msu.edu). Website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/psm/. Bidding eligibility ends September 29, 2026 at 11:55 P.M. This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.