Sea Lamprey Field Research Technicians
Focus of the research: The Genomics & Chemical Ecology Group at Michigan State University in Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (https://www.lilabmsu.com/) is hiring 6-8 seasonal research technicians to assist with sea lamprey behavioral assays. A primary focus of the Group is to identify and characterize the function of different pheromone components released by sea lamprey, an invasive fish in the Great Lakes. Towards this goal, we will be conducting behavior experiments in natural streams in northeast lower Michigan to characterize female responses to male pheromones and to pheromone antagonists, compounds that nullify female attraction.
Tasks: Technicians will be responsible assisting with sea lamprey research at and near the USGS Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, MI from May through August. Start and end dates are flexible. Shared housing will be provided near Cheboygan, MI if needed.
Training will be provided for all job-related activities. Technicians will gain experience in the following:
- passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging surgical procedures and telemetry equipment,
- animal behavioral observations,
- dissection and basic physiology,
- data collection and management, and
- fish husbandry and care.
Desired Qualifications:
- College-level coursework in a biological or environmental sciences (preferred, not required)
- Strong work ethic and positive attitude
- Ability to handle adverse conditions (heat, rain, humidity, biting/stinging insects) and occasional extended shifts (10-hour day). The work will be outdoors in local remote streams and tributaries to the Great Lakes occurring in rain or shine, day or night
- Ability to carry equipment during field site construction and teardown.
- Experience working with power tools preferred but not required
Pay rate: $15.50/hr
Hours: Full time (40+ hr/week) seasonal position (May-August)
Housing: If needed, shared housing will be provided near USGS Hammond Bay Biological Station, Millersburg, MI
Lab Website: https://www.lilabmsu.com/
To apply: For current MSU freshmen, MSU sophomores, or MSU juniors, please email Dr. Lili Hagg hagglili@msu.edu your application. Please include a (1) Cover letter describing why you are interested in and qualified for the position, (2) Resume/CV, and (3) Two references with contact information.
For MSU graduating seniors and all other applicants, please apply at MSU Careers website job number 1113863: https://careers.msu.edu/jobs/technical-aide-in-state-michigan-united-states-f6c2f33f-e6cd-436a-9930-346adf0b8215 Please include a (1) Cover letter describing why you are interested in and qualified for the position, (2) Resume/CV, and (3) Two references with contact information.
For more information, contact: Dr. Lili Hagg, hagglili@msu.edu. Applications due 5 March 2026.