Plant Biology Technician / Research Assistant I

Plant Biology Technician

The Plant Biology Technician will integrate lipid quantification and plant physiology experiments with other rich data sources to characterize chloroplast development and plant responses to cold.       

Supports the College of Natural Science in the Plant Research Laboratory.

• Lipid Analysis: Execute, refine, and train others on plant lipid (primarily glycerolipid) analysis through thin-layer chromatography and gas chromatography, maintaining the relevant equipment as needed. Prepare samples for lipidomics done elsewhere.  
• Experimental Design & Execution: Design, execute, and train others on controlled cold stress experiments, including measuring electrolyte leakage, photosynthetic responses, and photography in a variety of species.
• Data Analysis: Analyze raw data into functional graphs using a combination of Excel and Graphpad Prism.
• Reporting & Compliance: Compile research results for publication, assist in manuscript preparation, and ensure laboratory safety compliance.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification. 

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in biochemistry or related field; 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 in an area related to research being performed; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

• Demonstrated experience in plant lipid analysis or phenotyping.
• Practical experience in plant abiotic stress assays.
• Familiarity with analytical instrumentation, such as gas chromatography or photosynthetic fluorescence meters.
• Plant lipid analysis through thin-layer and gas chromatography
• Plant physiological measurements including electrolyte leakage, photosynthesis, and physical measurements.
• Expertise in coordinating research studies with large numbers of samples.
• Proven track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
• 4+ years of experience with plant bioassays.
• Willingness to work well in teams of differing expertise.
• Capacity to overcome research challenges.

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.

STANDARD 8-5

This is a limited term position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal

https://prl.natsci.msu.edu/

Advertised: Jun 17, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Jun 30, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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