# Lab Research Assistant

**Source**: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/jobs/msu-department-of-plant-soil-and-microbial-sciences-lab-research-assistant/
**Parent**: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/

## MSU Department of Plant Soil and Microbial Sciences

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# Lab Research Assistant

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Recruitment began on March 16, 2026

and the job listing Expires on April 16, 2026

On-Campus Jobs

[Apply Now](https://msu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10852127)

We are seeking motivated undergraduate students to join our research team starting **mid-April 2026**. Initial work will be **10–15 hours per week**, with the option to increase to **up to 30 hours per week** after the end of the Spring semester. Positions may extend through the **2026–2027 academic year** based on interest and performance.

**Position Overview**

This role involves hands-on participation in a variety of research and laboratory support activities. Duties will evolve over time as training progresses and projects ramp up.

**Early Spring Responsibilities**

- Assisting with **set-up and testing of new laboratory equipment**
- General **laboratory cleaning and organization**

**Mid-Spring & Summer Responsibilities**

Students will have opportunities also to work in:

- **Field and greenhouse experiment setup and maintenance**
- **Processing seed, soil, and plant samples**
- Supporting graduate students with laboratory tasks, including:
  - Microbial cultivation
  - DNA extraction
  - PCR and other molecular biology procedures
- Maintaining a **clean, safe, and positive lab environment** by following established safety and housekeeping guidelines

**Essential Skills & Qualities**

We are looking for students who bring:

- A **positive attitude** and willingness to learn
- **Flexibility** in taking on a variety of tasks
- Comfort doing both less glamorous tasks (e.g., grinding plant tissue) and more exciting ones (e.g., counting microbial colonies)
- Reliability, attention to detail, and curiosity about plant, soil, and microbial sciences

Prior lab or field experience is helpful, but **not required**—we are happy to train the right students.

**Who Should Apply**

We welcome:

- First- and second-year students looking to engage in research for **1–3 years**, and
- Senior students who want hands-on experience before heading to **graduate school, industry, or other career paths**

If you are enthusiastic about learning, enjoy working in a supportive lab environment, and are looking for meaningful research experience, we’d be excited to work with you.

[Apply Now](https://msu.joinhandshake.com/jobs/10852127)