Research Assistant

Position Summary

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) at Michigan State University invites applications for a Research Assistant position supporting biological community restoration programs in the Great Lakes basin. The position involves collaborative research with MSU faculty and scientists at the U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center (USGS-GLSC), integrating expertise in physical and biological sciences to assess environmental stressors such as nuisance benthic algae and invasive species.

The primary focus of this work is to support native species restoration efforts (including fish and freshwater mussels) and to better understand and manage nuisance benthic algae, including Cladophora spp., in nearshore Great Lakes ecosystems. Although administratively housed within CEE at Michigan State University, this position is physically located at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center in Indiana. The successful candidate will conduct field and laboratory research in close collaboration with MSU and USGS scientists.

Project objectives include examining drivers and impacts of nuisance benthic algae, improving assessment of fish communities using DNA-based technologies, supporting native mussel propagation and reintroduction efforts in collaboration with the National Park Service (including Indiana Dunes National Park), and evaluating microbial roles in ecological processes and ecosystem services.

• 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

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; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

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.

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.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

STANDARD 8-5

This is an off‑dated position funded from date of hire through FEB 22, 2027, with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.

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Field work is generally performed outdoors in aquatic environments and involves moderate to extreme exposure to the discomforts of rain, cold/hot weather, and waves on occasions. Applicant should have a valid driver’s license. This position occasionally requires travel.

Laboratory and office work generally involves extended periods of sitting or standing. In the laboratory, the technician works in close contact with freshwater shellfish.