Professional Aide

Professional Aide

This is a temporary or an on-call position. Provides professional support. Responsibilities may include general business, science, medical, agricultural or other professional support functions. Term:
Temps can work two (2) nine (9) month terms with a week break in service in between and at the end of the second term terminate for three (3) months or switch to an on-call. On-Call allowed to work 1039 hours in any twelve (12) month period.

The Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center (GLBRC) and Lowry Lab at Michigan State University are seeking to hire two temporary research technicians to support research on switch grass (Panicum virgatum) as a bioenergy and bioproduct crop. The positions may be based primarily at either the Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) in Hickory Corners, Michigan, or MSU's main campus in East Lansing, depending on the successful applicants' locations and availability.

A major focus of these positions will be assisting with fall switch grass harvests and associated field research at both KBS and the MSU main campus. Duties will include preparing equipment and supplies for harvest, collecting field data, harvesting and processing plant material, drying and weighing biomass samples, labeling and organizing samples, and entering and organizing research data. Other field activities may include plant maintenance, sampling, and assisting with experiments related to switch grass genetics, breeding, productivity, and environmental responses.

Technicians based primarily on the MSU main campus will also assist with maintaining research plants, including watering and general plant care; organizing and maintaining laboratory spaces and supplies; processing plant samples; and assisting researchers with a variety of ongoing field, greenhouse, and laboratory projects.

The positions require some travel between the MSU main campus and KBS, particularly during major field and harvest activities. For employees based in East Lansing, required travel to KBS will be considered part of their work duties, and travel time will be included in their paid work hours. Transportation arrangements for work-related travel will be coordinated with the laboratory.

Work schedules will vary according to field conditions, harvest schedules, and research needs. During major fall harvests, applicants should be prepared for substantial outdoor work and occasional longer field days.

Experience working with plants, agriculture, ecology, biology, and/or field research is preferred, but applicants with other relevant experience are encouraged to apply. Coursework or a degree in plant biology, crop and soil sciences, biology, environmental science, agriculture, or a related field would be beneficial but is not required. Successful applicants should be dependable, well organized, able to work carefully as part of a research team, and comfortable performing both routine and varied research tasks.

Applicants must be able to work outdoors under a range of weather conditions and perform physically demanding fieldwork, including regular lifting and carrying of plant material and research equipment. A valid driver's license is strongly preferred and may be required depending on work location and responsibilities.

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.

A cover letter and a resume/CV.

STANDARD 8-5