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Introduction

The IGBB provides some standard services (fee-for-service) to MS State faculty, staff, and external scientists (see Service Center). However, most research is too complicated to be offered as a standard service. Such work can be performed by a trained IGBB staff member through a research agreement. 

Guns for Hire

IGBB Research Associates (RAs) can be hired to conduct specific research tasks. For example, let's say you need an expert in RNA isolation and cDNA sequencing to help you complete a portion of a research project. You could train a student or postdoc to become proficient in these research tasks, but you may not have the experience, time, or money to train an individual in RNA isolation and cDNA sequencing. Moreover, you may not have the instrumentation you need to do the research correctly. This is where the IGBB can help. Rather than training someone new, you can hire a highly skilled IGBB RA to perform the research for you. The savings in cost and time is tremendous. The process works like this:

• The principal investigator (PIs) interested in determining whether the IGBB can help them in their research/analyses submits a request to meet/talk with an IGBB research associate via MyIGBB. 
• A qualified IGBB consultant then contacts the PI to discuss project goals, feasibility, and approaches.  This consultation is free.
• If the PI and the RA agree to a research plan, the RA will generate an itemized quote for the PI that includes salary, fringe, reagent costs, machine costs, etc.  The duration of the employment agreement depends upon the needs of the customer and can range from a few hours to several months. In addition, IGBB employment agreements can cover fairly low weekly time committments spread out over long stretches (e.g., a customer may hire an IGBB employee to work on a project 5 hours a week for four years). Overhead charges and/or HPC² retainage costs may or may not be applicable.  Once a plan is set between a PI and an IGBB RA, a final quote will be sent to the PI for approval (via MyIGBB). Once the PI approves the quote, work can begin.

To discuss a Research Agreement with an appropriate IGBB employee, please submit a MyIGBB HelpDesk ticket or contact us by phone or e-mail (see Contact).