Research Assistant

Kansas State University; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 39,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas State University is seeking a Research Assistant to support a USDA-APHIS New World Screwworm Grand Challenge project. The role involves maintaining insect colonies, performing molecular assays, and documenting samples in a BSL-2 lab on-site in Manhattan, KS.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor's degree and have experience with DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and library preparation, plus familiarity with sequencing, data analysis, and strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree.
• Preferred: degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, entomology, or related fields.
• Experience with molecular techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, library preparation).
• Experience with microbial culture or insect rearing; familiarity with sequencing or basic data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Maintain insect colonies and cultures.
• Perform molecular assays (DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, library preparation).
• Process and document samples; manage laboratory supplies.
• Help train and support students.

Skills

DNA/RNA extraction

PCR/qPCR

Library preparation

Insect rearing

Bioinformatics analysis

Laboratory documentation

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Biology or related field

Job description

This job was posted by https://www.kansasworks.com : For more information, please see: https://www.kansasworks.com/jobs/13634484

Research Assistant

Kansas State University

About This Role

The purpose of this position is to support research activities in the laboratory under Objective 3 of a USDA-APHIS New World Screwworm Grand Challenge project. The Research Assistant will maintain insect colonies and cultures, perform molecular assays (DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and library preparation), process and document samples, manage laboratory supplies, and help train and support students.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site. All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor's degree. Education beyond the minimum degree

Requirement May Count Toward Required Experience If Deemed Relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, highly specialized methodologies, and critical problem-solving skills fundamental to this work. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential experience inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology,

entomology, or closely related fields

• One year of research laboratory experience.
• Master's degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or

closely related fields

• Prior experience with molecular techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR,

qPCR, library preparation)

• Experience with microbial culture or insect rearing
• Familiarity with sequencing or basic data analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Familiarity with bioinformatic analysis

Additional Role Information

• Ability to work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment

Sponsorship Eligibility

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.

Application Window

Applications close on: August 21, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$39,227 - $66,667