Associate Scientist II

Stowers Institute for Medical Research; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, MO, invites applications for a full-time Associate Scientist 2 in the Fish department. The role focuses on generating novel cell lines from wild-type and genetically modified fish species (killifish, zebrafish) and maintaining these lines.

You will work closely with the Fish group, Research Organisms department, and PI labs, ensuring accurate data collection, protocol development, and compliance with SOPs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in life sciences or related field.
• Experience with zebrafish or killifish preferred.
• Ability to work weekends/holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Generate novel cell lines from zebrafish, killifish, and related species.
• Maintain and propagate genetically modified lines used for research.
• Coordinate with the Fish group, Research Organisms department, and PI labs.
• Develop methods and protocols for cell line derivation and organoid work.
• Record, analyze, and report data; present findings to teams.
• Assist with life support systems and facility safety compliance.

Skills

CRISPR knowledge

Data recording & analysis

Team collaboration

Scientific writing

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in life sciences

Tools

MS Office

Genotyping equipment

Aquatic life support systems

Job description

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a full-time Associate Scientist 2 in the Fish department. This position will generate novel cell lines from both wild type and genetically modified fish species (killifish, zebrafish, and related research organisms). Because these cultures are derived from animals engineered and bred at the Institute, the position will also maintain and propagate the modified lines, and will interface between the Fish group, the Research Organisms department, and PI labs on this work.

Key Responsibilities

• Interface between the Fish group, Research Organisms department, and PI labs on coordination of experiments that generate novel cell lines from genetically modified fish and from other animal tissues.
• Customize and develop these projects, developing scientific methods and protocols for such experiments. Establish primary and stable cell lines from these tissues, including lines modified by CRISPR. Collect, record, and analyze data, report back data, conclusions, and present on such experiments.
• When time permits and as needed, consult on generation of organoid models from animal species.
• Help coordinate between the Research Organisms department and other technology centers with development of lentivirus delivery to these organisms for CRISPR modification and gene expression.
• Maintain, breed, and genotype the genetically modified fish lines (killifish, zebrafish, and related species) that supply the tissues for cell line derivation. Daily husbandry of these lines, including feeding, health monitoring, water changes, tank rotation, cleaning, and census, is part of the cell line generation work and will be performed by this position.
• Perform routine system and equipment checks; assist with life support system maintenance and report concerns or malfunctions promptly.
• Maintain accurate and complete records such as room logs, animal health reports, census data, genotyping, and pedigree records for the modified lines, and other documentation as required.
• Follow all established SOPs, safety procedures, and quality assurance standards; report deviations, incidents, or facility concerns to managers.
• Communicate effectively with managers, teammates, and facility users to support collaborative and efficient operations.
• Assist with facility daily duties, husbandry, technical procedures, support functions, inspection preparation, quarantine husbandry of newly generated or imported lines, and special projects as assigned.
• Weekend and holiday work will be required to maintain the fish lines.
• Plan and organize all job-related activities with limited supervision. Able to schedule, lead, coordinate, and delegate tasks independently.
• Conduct themselves in a professional manner and demonstrate a commitment to professional development. A positive demeanor and eagerness to learn is appreciated and expected.
• A Bachelor's degree in any of the life sciences.
• Self-motivation, excellent communication, organizational, and collaboration skills, and the ability to work closely with other team members.
• Prior experience with zebrafish ( Danio rerio ), killifish ( Nothobranchius furzeri ), or other aquatic research organisms, including the maintenance of genetically modified lines, in a laboratory or research setting preferred.
• Prior experience with generation of primary and stable cell lines from animal models and tissues, including nonmammalian species and lines modified by CRISPR.
• Record of scientific publications is preferred.
• Basic understanding of aquatic life support systems and laboratory animal care practices preferred.
• ALAT certification through AALAS preferred but not required.
• Basic computer proficiency, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This position requires standing and walking for extended periods and the ability to frequently bend, reach, push, pull, and climb ladders. Employees must be able to lift and move objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Work is performed in a controlled aquatic laboratory environment with warm, humid, and wet conditions. Duties involve exposure to animals, chemicals, mechanical equipment, and moderate noise levels. Appropriate safety controls and personal protective equipment are utilized to mitigate workplace hazards.