Research Assistant - BMB Research

The University of Kansas Health System; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, MO, seeks a Research Assistant to support the BMB research program in the SOM KC Biochemistry lab. The role centers on hands-on lab work for protein biochemistry and cellular studies that drive scientific discovery.

The position emphasizes collaboration with graduate students and technicians, with opportunities to engage in diverse molecular biology techniques and data analysis within a regulated, team-based environment.

Qualifications

• 4 years experience in protein biochemistry, including the expression and purification of recombinant proteins and the functional analysis of proteins is beneficial.
• Education be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
• Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related fields.
• Experience in cell biology, including CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, transient transfections, and PCR characterization.
• Experience in microscopy or fluorescent proteins.
• Experience in cell culture and sterile techniques.
• General experience in molecular biology techniques (SDS-PAGE, PCR, agarose gels).

Responsibilities

• Generate, purify, and organize expression plasmids for proteins of interest (i.e., miniprep and maxiprep protocols).
• Experimental techniques in cell culture (routine cell maintenance, transient transfections, preparation of nuclear extracts, utilization of CRISPR/Cas9).
• Assist with fluorescent imaging techniques, both biochemical and in live-cell contexts.
• Collaborate with fellow lab members, including graduate students and technicians, to achieve research objectives.
• Compliance: Attend and maintain compliance on all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, understand and follow all assigned duties, and attend regularly scheduled research team meetings.

Skills

Protein biochemistry

Cell biology

CRISPR/Cas9

PCR

Microscopy

Fluorescent proteins

Cell culture

Sterile techniques

SDS-PAGE

PCR characterization

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related fields

Job description

Department:

SOM KC Biochemistry

Research Staff

Position Title:

Research Assistant - BMB Research

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, biological and other research laboratory tests, experiments and determinations to obtain data for research purposes; compile, analyze, document and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results. Confer with principal investigator to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments; make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular equipment as required. Review laboratory methods manual, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information applicable to research experiments.

Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Generate, purify, and organize expression plasmids for proteins of interest (i.e., miniprep and maxiprep protocols)
• Experimental techniques in cell culture (routine cell maintenance, transient transfections, preparation of nuclear extracts, utilization of CRISPR/Cas9)
• Assist with fluorescent imaging techniques, both biochemical and in live-cell contexts
• Collaborate with fellow lab members, including graduate students and technicians, to achieve research objectives.
• Compliance: Attend and maintain compliance on all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, understand and follow all assigned duties, and attend regularly scheduled research team meetings.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

Work Experience :

• 4 years experience in protein biochemistry, including the expression and purification of recombinant proteins and the functional analysis of proteins is beneficial. Education be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Education : Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or related fields

Work Experience :

• Experience in cell biology, including CRISPR/Cas9 approaches, transient transfections, and PCR characterization is also preferred
• Experience in microscopy or fluorescent proteins
• Experience in cell culture and sterile techniques
• General experience in molecular biology techniques (SDS-PAGE, PCR, agarose gels)

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Employee Type:

Regular

Time Type:

Full time

Rate Type:

Hourly

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above.

Pay Range:

$22.88 - $33.17

Minimum

$22.88

Midpoint

$28.03

Maximum

$33.17