College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

Student Work Study / Research Opportunities 

Forest Pathology - Sakalidis Lab

Please see Job Posting:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/jobs/undergraduate-research-position-forest-pathology-lab2023

Soybean Breeding and Research - Wang Lab

 The MSU soybean project is looking for students to work fall semester with positions also available for spring semester and summer.

The MSU soybean research project focuses on developing and testing soybean genetics.  The commercial soybean yield trials are grown at seven locations throughout the state and gives farmers and retailers yield and other data about commercial soybean varieties.  Dr. Dechun Wang’s soybean breeding program develops new varieties for specialty markets in Michigan.

The fall work may include collecting data, harvesting soybean research plots, taking grain samples, processing samples, and handling harvested seed.  Most work is at the Agronomy Farm on south campus farms and involves some outdoor work, possibly running a small research harvester, as well as indoor work.  There may be some travel to offsite locations.  Hours are flexible to work around class and study time.

Interested students should contact Randy Laurenz at laurenz2@msu.edu to apply or find out more about these positions.

Cropping Systems Agronomy- Singh Lab

The Cropping Systems Agronomy program at MSU is focused on current and emerging issues in corn, soybean, and wheat based cropping systems of Michigan with an overall goal to improve the productivity and profitability of these systems. We are looking for one or two students to work full or part time. There is a potential to continue during the following semesters, and to do research projects to build your resume as well. Job duties include assisting with planting, harvesting and in-season management of field trials across various Michigan locations; soil and plant sample collection, and working with graduate students and program technicians for data collection in field and sample processing in lab. View the job for more details: Job Posting

Contact Information. For more information, please email project PI Dr. Maninder “Manni” Singh (msingh@msu.edu) and tell us about yourself and your availability. Attach your resume.

Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Research Program - Steinke lab

Undergraduate students are needed to assist in the soil fertility and plant nutrition research program.  Duties may include: field research setup and preparation, equipment calibration and operation, experience with soil and plant tissue diagnostics, exposure to multiple fertilizer sources/products, plant nutrient requirements and application strategies, soil and plant sampling, soil/tissue grinding, data entry, various laboratory and field data collection techniques, and valuable research experience in corn, soybean, wheat, sugar beet, potato, and dry bean cropping systems. Excellent opportunity to gain understanding of plant and soil nutrition as related to both agronomic principles and the environment.  Build your resume and standout from the rest of the crowd! The majority of the activities will be outdoors.  Qualifications: Students interested in plant, soil, and environmental sciences.

Duration: Fall and spring semesters with additional summer opportunities (exact dates or times are negotiable) Contact: Andrew Chomas (technician)  chomas@msu.edu or Dr.  Kurt Steinke at ksteinke@msu.edu  Visit our webpage:  soil.msu.edu

Small Fruit and Hop Diseases - Miles Lab

The Small Fruit Pathology Laboratory at Michigan State University is interested in many applied aspects of plant pathology, such as the development of resistant cultivars, and cultural and chemical practices that result in improved disease management. We often have work opportunities for undergraduate students that span both field and laboratory research. Positions often include working with fungal cultures, experience in pathogen isolation and maintenance of several fields of blueberries, grapes, and hops. Some experiences undergraduate researchers gain in the program include laboratory skills such as DNA extraction, fungal culturing and PCR. Also students gain experience working in greenhouse and in general plant husbandry. Please contact Timothy Miles (milesti2@msu.edu) or Jerri Gillett (gillett@msu.edu) for more information

Weed Science - Burns Lab

The Burns weed science program focuses on current and emerging problematic weeds in Michigan cropping systems. Current research is focused on biology, ecology, population dynamics, and integrated weed management of problematic weeds with emphasis on practices to mitigate the development and spread of herbicide-resistant weeds. We are looking for one/two undergraduate student(s) to work on both field and greenhouse weed science projects. Job duties include assisting with harvesting trials at the MSU agronomy farm, post-harvest plant sample processing, greenhouse plant management, and working with graduate students to collect data in the greenhouse and lab. For more information, please contact Erin Burns (burnser5@msu.edu), attach resume, and we can schedule an interview.   

Maize genetics and phenomics - Thompson lab

The Thompson Lab has several ongoing projects in high-throughput phenotyping, genetic dissection of complex traits, describing morphology, and predicting plant growth and development as it interacts with the environment. We will have need of additional help this fall to help with collecting traits, harvesting and shelling seed, and processing data. There is potential for employment during the summer as well as the academic year, and for interested students to conduct research projects as well. If interested, please send a description of your interests, your availability, and a resume to Addie Thompson thom1718@msu.edu and Linsey Newton newtonl2@msu.edu

Potato Breeding and Genetics- Douches Lab

Seeking an Undergraduate Research Assistant

Position Overview: Responsible for the care and maintenance of Douches Potato Breeding and Genetics research plant material and maintenance of greenhouse areas. Position is Fall semester 2022- Spring semester 2023. 

• Daily irrigation of crops as needed.
• Filling pots and transplanting.
• Maintenance of plants, including pruning and training.
• Applying fertilizers to crops as instructed by technician.
• General greenhouse maintenance, including cleaning benches and trash removal.
• Monitoring crops for possible insects and pathogens.
• Assisting graduate students with research projects as needed. Including: pollinations, tissue culture/micropropagation, and data collection.

Requirements

• Available 10-20 hours a week as part of a consistent work schedule.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds.
• Firm understanding of plant biology, cultivation, and propagation. Other skills, Abilities, or Preferences.
• Greenhouse experience preferred, but not required.
• Preference for students interested in graduate education and research, particularly in plant breeding, genetics, or horticulture.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the program or interests of the employee.

Interested applicants can contact William Behling at behling3@msu.edu or Dr. David Douches at douchesd@msu.edu. Please include a brief resume.

Interested applicants can contact William Behling at behling3@msu.edu or Dr. David Douches at douchesd@msu.edu. Please include a brief resume.