Michigan State University · 11 hours ago
Research Assistant I
East Lansing, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Entry Level
1+ years expMichigan State University is seeking a Research Assistant to support biological community restoration programs in the Great Lakes basin. The role involves collaborative research to assess environmental stressors and support native species restoration efforts, conducting field and laboratory research in partnership with MSU and USGS scientists.
EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Plan and coordinate field studies and serve as the primary contact for project data management
Develop job aids for field and laboratory activities; train student interns on laboratory safety, sample handling, and storage; and serve as lab manager
Maintain laboratory inventories; coordinate supply ordering; and track equipment performance, maintenance, and calibration in accordance with USGS Quality Management System (QMS) and QA/QC requirements
Support collaborative native species restoration projects, including laboratory propagation of native mussel larvae for reintroduction efforts led by USGS and NPS
Analyze datasets (e.g., eDNA, microbiome) using statistical software and bioinformatic tools
Qualification
Required
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in biology, ecology, or microbiology with classes in aquatic sciences, chemistry, 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 in nearshore aquatic ecology, molecular biology including environmental DNA, microbiome
Ability to work in Biosafety level 2 labs
Willingness to participate in a variety of safety training programs mandated as required by MSU and the agency
Experience with statistical analysis software, e.g. SPSS, SYSTAT, and tools in bioinformatics
An equivalent combination of education and experience
Resume
Cover Letter
Preferred
Five years of progressively responsible experience conducting laboratory analyses of environmental samples (e.g., algae, water, sediment, fish tissue) using DNA-based methods to assess biotic communities
Demonstrated experience coordinating field teams, supporting laboratory inventory and equipment maintenance and calibration, implementing USGS QMS and QA/QC programs, analyzing data, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications
Company
Michigan State University
Michigan State University has been working to advance the common good in uncommon ways for more than 150 years.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Michigan State University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (163)
2024 (217)
2023 (224)
2022 (162)
2021 (121)
2020 (66)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$118.22MKey Investors
Carnegie Corporation of New YorkUS Department of EnergyDenso
2025-09-23Grant· $0.9M
2025-03-27Grant· $48.5M
2024-10-30Grant
Leadership Team
Raymond Boeman
Director, IACMI Scale-up Research Facility and Vehicle Technology Area
Stephanie Vasko
Senior Research and Innovation Consultant, MSU College of Arts and Letters
Recent News
DBusiness Magazine
2026-02-04
2025-12-14
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