Assistant Researcher

University of Kansas; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 35,530 - 48,070; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry in Lawrence, KS seeks a full-time Assistant Researcher to provide technical support and develop experimental pipelines for in vitro and in vivo studies under Ming Zhao, Ph.D. This hourly position may require evenings and weekends.

The role focuses on executing experiments, assisting with publications and grants, and maintaining lab quality and collaboration across the team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering or 4 years related experience.
• Minimum 2 years of lab experience with molecular biology, polymer/nanoparticle synthesis, and cell culture/animal handling.
• Strong organizational and communication skills as reflected in application materials.
• Experience with quantitative analysis and data presentation (GraphPad, OriginPro).

Responsibilities

• Perform in vitro and in vivo experiments to analyze biopharmaceutical formulations.
• Assist in manuscript preparation and grant submissions; ensure lab compliance.
• Establish and follow laboratory quality control and quality assurance procedures.
• Coordinate with PI and lab staff; manage supplies and lab outreach.

Skills

Molecular biology

Cell culture

Data analysis

Lab organization

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

High School Diploma + 4 years experience

Tools

GraphPad

OriginPro

PCR equipment

Job description

Position Overview

A full-time Assistant Researcher position is immediately available at the University of Kansas Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Lawrence KS under the direct supervision of Ming Zhao, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor. This is a full-time hourly position that will occasionally necessitate work during evenings and weekends. We invite individuals with a strong passion for meaningful basic and translational biomedical research to apply. To learn more about our research program and mission, please visit our laboratory website at https://pharmchem.ku.edu/people/ming-zhao-0.

This position will be directly supervised by PI Zhao, with the primary responsibility being to provide technical support to PI Zhao and other lab members in pursuit of our research agenda. More specifically, the selected candidate will work directly with the PI to establish experimental pipelines then to independently perform in vitro and in vivo experiments.

The Zhao Lab is housed in the Simons Biosciences Research Laboratories, in close proximity to the state-of-the-art Biopharmaceutical Innovation & Optimization Center, the Higuchi Laboratories Animal Facility, the Multidisciplinary Research Building, and the KU Innovation Park. Office space adjacent to the laboratory and a desktop computer will be provided.

Job Description

80%

• Conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments (e.g., immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, ELISA, flow-cytometry, ELISpot assay, or qPCR) to analyze the effectiveness of different biopharmaceutical formulations.

10%

• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication and compiling grant submissions, as well as other documentation necessary for laboratory compliance.
• Establish and follow laboratory quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures, including appropriate documentation.

10%

• Participate in regular communication with the PI via lab meetings and personal meetings.
• Order and maintain laboratory supplies.
• Manage the lab's social media and outreach activities.
• Work in coordination with other lab staff members to achieve research objectives. Share expertise and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research environment.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering OR a High School Diploma and 4 years of related experience.
2. Minimum two (2) years of laboratory experience in one or more of the following:
   • Working knowledge of molecular biology techniques for protein, RNA, and DNA (e.g., PCR).
   • Experience in polymer and nanoparticle synthesis.
   • Previous experience with mammalian/microbial cell culture and animal handling.
3. Strong organizational and communication skills as seen from application materials and work history.
4. Previous experience utilizing quantitative analysis skills, including statistics and data presentation (GraphPad, OriginPro) as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Project management experience as evidenced by application materials.
2. Experience in developing new standard operating procedures through literature searches.

Contact Information to Applicants

Ming Zhao, Ph.D.
[e-mail]

Advertised Salary Range

Starting at $41,800, commensurate with skills and experience

Application Review Begins

Friday August 14, 2026

Anticipated Start Date

Monday August 31, 2026