Position Summary
The highly collaborative McCabe laboratory takes an interdisciplinary approach to study the mechanisms involved in the gut-bone signaling axis and to identify therapeutics that target the gut to treat and prevent osteoporosis. The successful applicant will utilize cell culture, mouse models, and human studies to identify signals and factors mediating bone health under standard, aging, and disease conditions. They will also be involved in laboratory leadership (training of students), interacting with other faculty, and assisting in developing proposals and manuscripts. Responsibilities will include:
- Protein/RNA/DNA extractions and analyses, RT-PCR, assays (serum measures, ELISA, cytokine assays), histomorphometry, micro-computed tomography measures, etc. to generate data for research projects.
- Sterile cell culture for experiments and assays
- Excellent record maintenance including methods used, adjustments to protocols, sample location, sample measures, etc.
- Assistance in compiling test results and preparing information for reports and publications. Use of statistical software (e.g. GraphPad Prism) to analyze, graph, and prepare data for figures/presentation.
- Ability to develop trouble shoot new methods and to ensure that methods are operational and functional.
- Use and calibration of research equipment (with training) such as mass spectrometers; vacuum systems; computers and related software; etc.
- Ordering supplies and experimental research animals and maintains and prepares solutions, animals and other materials to prepare for experimental procedures.
- Collection and preparation of materials and data necessary for performing experiments.
- Supervision and instruction of students in the performing basic research techniques.
- Completing duties normally associated with a Research Technologist I or similar lower-level classifications in order to complete research projects.
The hourly rate of the selected candidate for this role will be set based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, specialized skills, training, and internal equity. Your total compensation goes beyond scale, total compensation provided by Michigan State University and the McCabe Lab includes health insurance, generous leave and retirement contributions. This position funded for one (1) year from date of hire with extension contingent on satisfactory performance and available funding. The duties to be performed by this position require regular in-person presence in East Lansing, MI. This position will require successful completion of standard background checks.
Department Statement:
The Department of Physiology and Division of Pathology Division have significant teaching and research missions. The position works with a global community of internationally recognized scholars from diverse nationalities, ethnicities, and backgrounds; two large undergraduate majors (Physiology and Neuroscience) with approximately 1,200 majors combined; the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology (MCIP) graduate program, popularly combined with professional degrees (MD, DO, DVM); and vibrant research programs in areas such as cancer biology, cardiac pathophysiology, diabetes and obesity, gastrointestinal health and disease, immunity and tissue inflammation, musculoskeletal diseases, molecular metabolism and disease, and neuroscience. The discipline of physiology is uniquely positioned among the biomedical sciences to span the gulf between exploring the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health. Faculty in the Physiology Department at Michigan State University work to understand how the vast array of molecular and cellular events successfully integrates to define the phenomenon of human existence.
The Physiology Department Mission:
- Identify factors and molecules that promote health and disease.
- Understand mechanisms of disease progression.
- Improve overall human and animal health through identification of novel therapeutic targets and treatments.
- Train future scientists in state-of-the-art physiology concepts & approaches.
The Department of Physiology at Michigan State University embraces diversity in its faculty, students, and staff. We are committed to providing an environment that nurtures and values the inclusion of different backgrounds, ideas, perspectives, and skills. Engaging the unique and diverse contributions of our department members results in innovation and excellence in our research, teaching, service, and outreach. We take pride in the strength of our diversity and our ability to work together with respect and equality.
Minimum Requirements
Knowledge normally acquired by completing a four- year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or other related field; six months to one year of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience performing basic research techniques specific to the area of research employment such as: Tissue Culture, Analytical Research, Molecular Biology, Agriculture, Social Science, Physiology, Medical Research, etc., including the use and calibration of related equipment; word processing, spreadsheet; database and/or desktop publishing software; presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The job may require the appropriate pesticide applicator's registration/certification, and/or experience working with potentially dangerous research animals specific to the area of research employment.
Desired Qualifications
Candidate must have knowledge normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment or other related field; six months to a year of hands-on research experience in molecular biology, cell biology and/or biochemistry including standard assays and techniques; ability to demonstrate that they are detail oriented, highly self -motivated, organized, and enthusiastic to work both individually and as part of a collaborative and multidisciplinary team; experience with database and/or desktop publishing software and presentation software; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preference will be given to candidates with:
• Previous experience working in a research laboratory
• Lab management experience
• Excellent and effective communication skills
• Demonstration of participation or willingness to participate in programs designed to promote inclusion and multicultural perspectives and develop and foster trust in a culture of collaboration
• Experience in experimental design, statistics/data analyses
• Strong writing and speaking/communication skills
• Experience in at least 3 of the following areas, we will also train the selected applicant as needed:
-Mammalian Cell culture
-In vitro assays: immunoblotting, qPCR; RNA/DNA/protein extraction and analyses,
immunohistochemistry
-Rodent studies: disease models, diet, bone (microcomputed tomography, blood measures), gut, tumor
analyses
-Human studies: assisting clinical coordinator, obtaining and analyzing samples Metabolomics
Metagenomics
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All qualified applicants will receive considerat