Technical Aide

Back to search results Apply now Job no:925619
Work type:Support Staff
Pay Grade: 00
Major Administrative Unit / College: College Of Agriculture And Nat Resources
Department: Fisheries And Wildlife 10002344
Sub Area: CT- Clerical Tech.
Salary: Pay Commensurate with Experience
Location:In State
Categories:On-Call

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

Michigan State University is a member of the Centers for Disease Control-funded Midwest Center of Excellence for Vector-borne Disease (http://mcevbd.wisc.edu) ,  and one of the goals of this center is to build capacity in surveillance and research of vector and vector-borne pathogen biology, ecology, management and control. Toward that end, Michigan State University seeks to hire laboratory technicians who have a passion for disease ecology, medical entomology, public health surveillance, and/or emerging infectious diseases to help monitor the invasion of the blacklegged tick, the vector of Lyme disease, across the state of Michigan.

Lyme disease and other tick-borne diseases are on the rise in North America due to many ecological changes driving the spread of the blacklegged tick.  Michigan is a classic example, where the blacklegged tick has been emerging across the landscape, but where many citizens as well as medical professionals are unaware of the rapidly changing geographic risk of disease.  We have the rare opportunity to monitor the spread of the Lyme disease tick and to identify new areas into which the tick is establishing. This research will also aim to elucidate the genetic diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi (the Lyme disease bacteria) in Michigan. This laboratory technician position will be expected to help identify field-collected ticks and aid in the assaying of ticks for pathogens, particularly Borrelia burgdorferi. Data will be used to supplement the Michigan Lyme Disease risk map along with other MDHHS databases, as well as graduate student research.

Technician Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with laboratory analysis, which will require Environmental Health and Safety training.
• Operate laboratory equipment including micropipettes, centrifuges, chemical hoods, etc.
• Perform DNA extractions following standard operating procedures
• Maintain accurate and quality field samples, results, and molecular samples.
• Follow required biosafety protocols, maintain clean and efficient work areas, and replenish supplies as necessary
• Maintain databases and experimental records
• Perform tick identification to species and life stage using a dissecting microscope

Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. 

Desired Qualifications

Education:  Minimum of 48 college-level credits completed is preferred.

Experience:  Molecular laboratory experience preferred. No experience necessary, but an interest in disease ecology, medical entomology and/or public health is preferred.

Important knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Attention to detail and effective organizational skills
• Ability to learn new techniques
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with others.
• Ability to maintain a positive, professional attitude.
• Ability to work independently

Technicians should expect:

• To obtain instruction on the ecology, epidemiology, and public health measures of Lyme and several other tick-borne diseases in the north-central and northeastern U.S.
• To obtain guidance and instruction on standard molecular laboratory protocols and how these data are used by public health and researchers to prevent disease.
• To obtain instruction on vector identification and learn about the biology of ticks.
• To participate in lab meetings and conference calls as schedules permit and learn more about other on-going research and surveillance activities at MSU and other participating MCE institutions.

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

send CV/resume and cover letter to Michelle Volk ([email protected] )

Work Hours

M-W

Remote Work Statement

MSU strives to provide a flexible work environment and this position has been designated as remote-friendly. Remote-friendly means some or all of the duties can be performed remotely as mutually agreed upon.

Advertised:Jan 15, 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:Jan 16, 2024 Eastern Standard Time