Job Information
Michigan State University Research Assistant I in East Lansing, Michigan
Job postings
Research Assistant I
Back to search results Apply now Job no: 956919
Work type: Support Staff
Pay Grade:11
Major Administrative Unit / College:College Of Natural Science
Department:Integrative Biology 10032920
Sub Area:AP- Professionals
Salary:Salary Commensurate with Experience
Location: East Lansing
Categories: Research/Scientific, Administrative Professionals- AP, Full Time (90-100%), Union, Remote-Friendly
Position Summary
The lab of Dr. Grace Smith-Vidaurre at Michigan State University is hiring a research assistant with expertise in data science. The research assistant will work on several projects that include modeling experiments to simulate social and signaling systems, as well as analyses of empirical datasets to characterize acoustic and behavioral variation. The research assistant will be expected to collaborate with other members of the lab, mentor undergraduate students, and participate in lab meetings. They will also be expected to contribute to scientific presentations and the preparation of peer-reviewed manuscripts that include their results, as well as helping to order equipment and organize data and code for the lab. The assistant will be encouraged to contribute to open-access methods development projects in the lab. This is a hybrid position such that the assistant will primarily work remotely and will be expected to visit the lab periodically in person for short research trips.
General research in the Smith-Vidaurre Lab focuses on how socially learned vocalizations are used to communicate identity information, and how brain regions for producing learned vocalizations may be sensitive to the early-life environment. The lab is part of the Department of Integrative Biology and the Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering. We expect that lab members will contribute to creating and maintaining a collaborative interdisciplinary work culture. We are committed to building an inclusive work environment and creating equitable access to research opportunities for a diverse group of scientists at different career stages. The Smith-Vidaurre Lab is also committed to supporting lab members with opportunities for intellectual growth and professional development towards their academic or non-academic career goals.
The assistant will be trained on the biological background for the research projects to which they contribute. They will be expected to develop modeling skills and independence over time.
Duration: The position will begin in summer 2024 and the exact start date is negotiable. This is an off dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Unit Specific Education/Experience/Skills
Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in the specific field of research employment 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 an area related to research being performed; may require software specific to the area of research; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The position may require special licensing or certification in the field related to the area of employment.
Desired Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in data science, biology, ecology, neuroscience, or a related field
Formal training in data science or equivalent years of experience
Experience working with biological datasets
Expertise with one or more relevant programming languages, ideally R or Python
Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
Strong curiosity, creativity, personal motivation, and a willingness to learn and grow independently
Strong problem-solving as well as oral and written communication skills
Commitment to an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative work environment
Experience working with bioacoustics datasets
Experience working with Git or other version control platforms
Experience with NetLogo and building agent-based models
Experience with Bayesian statistical methods
Experience with machine learning and AI
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
A 1-2 page cover letter that describes your interest in this position, your relevant previous experiences, and your skillset
Your resume or CV
Your unofficial transcript
Names, phone numbers, and email addresses for three professional references
For more information, please contact Dr. Grace Smith-Vidaurre (smithvid@msu.edu) with the subject line " Questions about Data Science Research Technician 2024 ".
Work Hours
Variable
Description of End Date
This is an off dated position funded for one year from date of hire with possible extension contingent upon funding renewal.
Website
integrativebiology.natsci.msu.edu
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.
Bidding eligibility ends June 11, 2024 at 11:55 P.M.
Advertised: Jun 5, 2024 Eastern Daylight Time