Plant Biology Technician​/Research Assistant

Plant Biology Technician / Research Assistant I

Plant Research Laboratory Nat Science

Support Staff

East Lansing, Michigan, United States

Plant Research Laboratory Nat Science

Area of Interest:
Research/Scientific

Full Time/Part Time:
Full Time (90-100%)

Group:
Administrative Professionals- AP

Union/Non-Union:
Union

Opening on:
Jun 17 2026

Closing at:
Jun 30 2026 - 23:55 EDT

Salary Commensurate: 52540.00 - 55000.00

College Of Natural Science

Position Summary

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.

Minimum Requirements

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.

Desired Qualifications

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.

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.

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Description of End Date

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