Research Assistant III

Position Details

Position Information

Announcement Number STAFF - VA - 26449 For questions regarding this position, please contact:

Sarah Huth

sarah.huth@montana.edu

(406) 994-4787

Classification Title Research Asst III Working Title Research Assistant III Brief Position Overview

Responsibilities will include reviewing and editing work plans, providing labor estimates, designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, amending experiments to address unusual circumstances or results, and preparing reports.

Position Number 4M0675 Department Center for Biofilm Engineering Division Office of Research and Economic Development Appointment Type Classified Contract Term Fiscal Year Semester If other, specify From date If other, specify End date FLSA Non-Exempt Union Affiliation FOCUS-MFPE FTE 0.4 - 1.0 Benefits Eligible Depends on FTE (please contact Human Resources - 406-994-3651) Salary Salary commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications Contract Type Classified Salary If other, please specify Recruitment Type Open

Position Details

General Statement

Montana State University's Center for Biofilm Engineering has been a world leader in biofilm research for more than 25 years. A prestigious 11-year National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center grant awarded in 1990 paved the way for the CBE's influence in the emerging field of biofilm research. The Center's three-fold emphasis in research, education, and industry continues to produce results and exciting opportunities for students, staff, and faculty-as well as industrial partners. In the years since the end of the NSF-ERC grant, the CBE has relied on three main sources of funding. CBE researchers continue to be awarded competitive grants from a variety of sources including DoE, EPA, NSF, NIH, NASA, INL, the State of Montana. The CBE's Industrial Associates program provides key support for CBE research and operations, as well as valuable input that keeps CBE research relevant. The prospective employee will be responsible for pursuing funding sources for the CBE and for creating/maintaining liaisons with prospective industrial backers.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Review and edit work plans for industry funded projects, primarily focused on healthcare applications.
• Provide labor estimates and project planning support.
• Design, conduct, and modify experiments as needed to address unexpected circumstances or results.
• Analyze experimental data and prepare technical reports.
• Operate and maintain biofilm reactor systems.
• Work with Risk Group 2 pathogens, human and animal cells and tissues, and bodily fluids, including blood, saliva, and urine, in accordance with laboratory safety protocols.
• Train, mentor, and supervise undergraduate research assistants.
• Provide quality assurance and quality control oversight for laboratory activities.
• Maintain laboratory inventory, including materials, supplies, and equipment.

Required Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Science, or related field.
• Experience working in a Biosafety Level 2 Laboratory.
• Knowledge of microbiological techniques.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications - Experience, Education, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience working with microbial biofilms and biofilm reactor systems.
• Healthcare experience.
• Knowledge of quality control/quality assurance procedures.

The Successful Candidate Will

• Review and edit work plans.
• Provide labor estimates.
• Designing and conducting experiments.
• Analyze data
• Amend experiments to address unusual circumstances or results.
• Prepare reports.
• Train and supervise undergraduate research assistants.
• Provide quality assurance/quality control oversight
• Maintain the laboratory inventory of materials and supplies.

Position Special Requirements/Additional Information

Support project deadlines and operational needs, which may require work on weekends and holidays.

This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements, but a general description of the job. Nothing contained herein restricts Montana State University's rights to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Physical Demands

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

This position has supervisory duties? Yes

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1 Desired Start Date Upon completion of a successful search Position End Date (if temporary) Open Date Close Date Applications will be:

Screening of applications will begin on July 2, 2026; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Special Instructions

This position is not eligible for sponsorship.

EEO Statement

Montana State University is an equal opportunity employer. MSU does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

In compliance with the Montana Veteran's Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran's preference, please complete the veteran's preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).