Job Information
Michigan State University Technical Aide in Out of State, Michigan
Job postings
Technical Aide
Back to search results Apply now Job no: 952797
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade:00
Major Administrative Unit / College:College Of Natural Science
Department:Kellogg Biological Station Nat. Sci. 10032500
Sub Area:CT- Clerical Tech.
Salary:Pay Commensurate with Experience
Location: Out of State
Categories: Temporary
Position Summary(Basic Job Function)
This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides technical support. Responsibilities may include computer programming or operations; research support; medical patient care; technical equipment maintenance, repair, fabrication or operation; or other technical support functions.
Unit Position Summary
Technical Aide - Archbold Biological Station (Venus, Florida)
We are seeking a Project Manager to lead exciting experimental research testing the 'adapt or die' response in the face of novel environmental stress. Led by Drs. Sarah Fitzpatrick and Jessica Judson from Michigan State University, Dr. Gideon Bradburd from the University of Michigan, and Dr. Betsie Rothermel at Archbold Biological Station, this NSF-funded research seeks to understand the impact of genetic drift and gene flow on genetic rescue and adaptive potential of small, inbred populations in the face of climatic change (http://swfitz.com/research.php). The Project Manager will be based at Archbold Biological Station in south-central Florida (www.archbold-station.org), where they will manage ongoing experiments with eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). The duration of this position is 9 months, with the potential for renewal dependent on funding availability. Duties of the position include: caring for eastern mosquitofish in both indoor (laboratory) and outdoor tanks; conducting censuses of outdoor mesocosms; water quality monitoring; running lab trials to test heat tolerance of mosquitofish with different genetic backgrounds; mark-recapture and processing of mosquitofish (weighing, measuring, elastomer marking, fin clipping); participating in education & outreach activities; and data entry and management. The Project Manager can expect to work 40 hours per week, typically but not always Monday–Friday. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required, particularly with respect to fish care. The Project Manager can expect to gain skills in fish sampling techniques, elastomer marking and fish processing, data management, and data analysis (e.g., R). Depending on their interests, the Project Manager will also have the opportunity for independent study and/or travel to Kellogg Biological Station at Michigan State University to learn laboratory DNA techniques. The person hired for this position may rent lodging at Archbold or find their own offsite housing. In either case, there are many opportunities to engage with the field station community, both formally (scientific seminars and other events) and informally during off-hours (e.g., sharing meals with visiting scientists, exploring the region’s outstanding natural areas).
Desired Qualifications
Candidates should have either a) an undergraduate degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field with at least 6 months of relevant post-graduate research experience, or b) a Master’s degree in biology or ecology, preferably with a research focus in ichthyology and/or aquatic ecology. Candidates will have experience with either field or laboratory-based research on fishes and be familiar with freshwater fish care. Candidates should be detail-oriented with respect to project coordination and following sampling protocols, as well as demonstrated ability to manage data and troubleshoot equipment issues. The successful candidate will have proven ability to work well with minimal supervision, as this position requires someone able to independently manage a project with both outdoor and laboratory components.
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
Cover letter describing the candidate’s qualifications and availability for the desired start date, Curriculum Vitae (CV) including GPA and relevant research and coursework, and contact information for three references, at least two of which should come from academics
Special Instructions
We are seeking candidates with availability to start by August 1, 2024 or sooner. Applicants will be assessed on a rolling basis, with first review of applications beginning May 28th 2024.
Work Hours
Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required
Summary of Health Risks
Working with live fish does present health risks, including parasites and disease that can be transmitted to humans, but risk is minimal as long as personal hygiene is maintained (hand washing before and after entering laboratory).
Summary of Physical Demands
May require infrequent lifting of objects of 25 pounds or more, and position requires that the candidate can tolerate working outdoors in the heat and humidity of the summer Florida climate.
Advertised: May 13, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time