Assistant Researcher

Actox; Lawrence, Northern (KS, KY); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas invites applications for an Assistant Researcher in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology to support molecular and cellular studies related to neurodegenerative diseases. The role involves cell-based assays, protein analysis, tissue staining, data organization, and general lab operations under supervision.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative lab focused on molecular biology and disease mechanisms, performing standard assays, maintaining cell

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, cell biology, or related field.
• One year of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology.
• One year of experience with Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience maintaining accurate records and following lab protocols.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture.
• Organize and analyze basic experimental results.
• Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique and prepare reagents.
• Maintain accurate lab records and documentation.
• Assist with imaging, sample processing, and data collection; implement R code for multiomic data.
• Support collaboration with faculty, trainees and staff; manage inventory and safety procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently and in a

Education

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

High School Diploma and four years of related experience

Tools

Western blotting

Immunohistochemistry

Cell culture

R

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.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, [e-mail], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.