HS Research Assistant

The University of New Mexico; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 23,253 - 29,122; Part time

Job summary

The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center in Albuquerque seeks a Research Assistant to join Dr. Gurdeep Singh’s ophthalmology lab.

You will perform epigenetics and molecular biology tasks and contribute to publications, with on-site work through July 31, 2027. This on-call role supports a team researching AMD and ocular/metastatic cancers, with opportunities to work with students and postdocs, gain data collection experience, and participate in literature reviews and experimental

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; no previous experience required.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree enrollment in final year.
• Ability to work occasionally on weekends as lab needs dictate.

Responsibilities

• Perform various lab & technical tasks for ongoing research studies and routine epigenetics and molecular biology laboratory techniques.
• Support trainees/students (undergrad, PhD, MD students and post-doc) in projects focused on uveal melanoma, cancer epigenetics, and AMD.
• Collect, process, and coordinate data, samples, tissue dissections, new protocols, etc.

Skills

Lab techniques

Data analysis

Literature reviews

Scientific writing

Education

Bachelor's degree or enrollment in final year

Job description

HS Research Assistant

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is currently seeking motivated individual to join Dr. Gurdeep Singh’s research team at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine as Research Assistant. Dr. Singh’s lab focuses on decoding the epigenetic basis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and ocular/metastatic cancers. This is a unique opportunity to be part of cutting‑edge biomedical research with direct impact on future diagnostics and therapeutics. Candidate will be part of various scientific paper writing and publications, contribute to medical research with real‑world applications and learn cutting‑edge research methods. The position is specifically for the work done in the lab. This is an on‑call position anticipated to go through July 31, 2027.

What You'll Do in Singh lab:

• Perform various lab & technical tasks, procedures for assigned ongoing research studies and routine tasks associated with the execution of epigenetics & molecular biology laboratory techniques.
• Support trainees/students (undergrad, PhD, MD students and post‑doc) in ongoing research projects focused on uveal melanoma, cancer epigenetics, and age‑related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Collect, process, and establish/coordinate: Data, samples, tissue dissections, new protocols etc.
• Continue zebrafish work, organoid work, various culture work ensuring the proper growth and maintenance of various cell lines, spheroids etc.
• Document work, including equipment settings, procedures, and results according to lab protocols.
• Perform preliminary data experiments, assist in the routine data analysis.
• Set up, operate, maintain, and clean laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Follow good laboratory safety practices and comply with safety protocols.
• Assist with literature reviews and maintain accurate research databases
• Learn and apply experimental design, data analytics, and research methodology
• Collaborate with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds
• Contribute to scientific writing and publication efforts, when appropriate
• Apply learned techniques and knowledge to independent research projects
• Time and workdays in the lab are flexible, provided that research responsibilities and expected research output are met.
• Work hours must be recorded by clocking in and out on the laboratory computer. Compensation is provided only for work performed on‑site in the UNM School of Medicine Singh Lab in New Mexico.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

• A valid New Mexico driver's license will be required if a motor vehicle must be operated on the job.
• Successful candidate must submit to post‑offer, pre‑employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED; no previous experience required.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or enrollment in the final year of a bachelor's degree program.

Additional Requirements

Ability to work occasionally on weekends as lab needs dictate.

Campus

Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM

Department

Department of Ophthalmology (409A)

Employment Type

Staff

Staff Type

On-Call

Status

Non-Exempt

Pay

Hourly: $16.88 - $21.14

ERB Statement

As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Eligible for Remote Work

No

For Best Consideration Date

8/10/2026

Background Check Required

No

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre‑employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.