Professional Aide

Professional Aide

Support Staff

East Lansing, Michigan, United States

Full Time/Part Time:
Temporary

Opening on:
Oct 14 2026

Closing at:
Oct 16 2026 - 23:55 EDT

Pay Commensurate with Experience

Research And Innovation

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.

A major component of the project involves collecting intact soil and rhizome cores from field plots using a Giddings soil-coring system. Cores are approximately 6 cm in diameter × 25 cm deep and are collected intact in clear sleeves for CT scanning before being processed for rhizomes, soil, microbial samples, and other analyses. This position will assist with a combination of field and laboratory research, including:
Field sampling of switch grass plots using a truck-mounted Giddings soil coring system, labeling, organizing, transporting, and tracking intact soil cores. Preparing intact cores for CT scanning, opening and processing cores after scanning, separating and cleaning switch grass rhizomes and roots. Quantifying rhizome biomass and other below ground traits, preparing rhizome material for carbohydrate/starch analyses, collecting and processing soil and rhizosphere samples for microbial analyses.

Helping quantify switch grass stand cover, patchiness, tiller density, and spring emergence. Entering and organizing experimental data. Maintaining accurate sample labels and research records and assisting with other plant and soil measurements as needed.

No previous research experience is required. Training will be provided. Background with experience in plant biology, environmental science, crop and soil sciences, microbiology, ecology, biochemistry, biotechnology, or a related field are especially encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is reliable, detail-oriented, comfortable working both outdoors and in the laboratory, able to carefully handle and label large numbers of samples, and interested in gaining hands-on research experience.

Field work may involve lifting soil cores/equipment, working outdoors in cool fall weather, and getting dirty.

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.

Submit resume with application

STANDARD 8-5