Assistant Researcher

The University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas seeks an Assistant Researcher to support molecular and cellular studies related to neurodegenerative disease in a collaborative laboratory. You will perform Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture, maintain cell lines, collect data, and assist with documentation and safety compliance.

This position offers training and team collaboration, with a starting salary of $50,000 per year.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in molecular biology or related field.
• 1 year of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology.
• Experience with Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture techniques.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments including Western blotting and immunohistochemistry.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique and prepare samples.
• Organize and analyze experimental results and document findings.
• Assist with imaging, data collection, and multiomic data visualization.
• Collaborate with faculty, trainees, and other research staff.

Skills

Molecular biology

Neuroscience

Biochemistry

Cell culture

Documentation skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, cell biology, or related field

High School Diploma + 4 years related experience

Tools

Western blotting

Immunohistochemistry

R coding

Job description

Position Overview The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is seeking a motivated Assistant Researcher to support ongoing laboratory studies in molecular and cellular mechanisms relevant to neurodegenerative disease. The successful candidate will assist with experimental work involving cell-based assays, protein analysis, tissue staining, data organization, and general laboratory operations.

The Assistant Researcher will work as part of a collaborative academic research laboratory focused on molecular biology, cellular physiology, and disease-related mechanisms. Responsibilities will include performing standard laboratory assays, maintaining cell cultures, preparing samples, documenting experimental results, and supporting day-to-day research activities under the direction of the principal investigator and senior laboratory staff.

Job Description

30% - Experimental Research activities

• Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture.
• Organize and analyze basic experimental results.

30% - Laboratory Operations and Maintenance

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique.
• Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and experimental samples.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation.

20% - Data Collection and Documentation

• Assist with imaging, sample processing, and data collection.
• Implementing R-coding of multiomic data
• Visualization and graphing key results

15% - Research Collaboration and Support

• Support general laboratory maintenance, including inventory, ordering, equipment upkeep, and compliance with institutional safety procedures.
• Work collaboratively with faculty, trainees, and other research staff.

5% - Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

This position will be based in a university research laboratory. The role requires regular work with biological samples, cell culture systems, laboratory reagents, and standard molecular biology equipment. Training will be provided for laboratory-specific protocols and procedures.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, cell biology, or a related field OR a High School Diploma and four (4) years of related experience.
2. One (1) year of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology.
3. One (1) year of experience with Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture techniques.
4. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail as evidenced by application materials.
5. Experience that required the ability to maintain accurate records and follow established laboratory protocols as evidenced by application materials.
6. Experience that required the ability to work both independently and as part of a team as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working in Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration, neuroscience, or related biomedical research areas as evidenced by application materials.
2. Some coding or data-analysis experience in R as evidenced by application materials.
3. Experience with microscopy, image analysis, protein quantification, or cell-based assays as evidenced by application materials.
4. Experience working in an academic research environment as evidenced by application materials.

Contact Information to Applicants

Jesse Wiley

[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range: Starting at $50,000, commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins Monday August 10, 2026

Anticipated Start Date Monday August 24, 2026