Research Assistant I

University of Arkansas; United States; Remote; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university is seeking a Research Assistant I with expertise in bioinformatics to join their multidisciplinary team. The role involves analyzing microbiome data to support research on childhood infections. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and experience in microbiome analysis. This position offers collaborative opportunities in a dynamic research environment focused on improving child health.

Benefits

Medical, Dental and Vision plans

Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave

Education discount for staff and dependents

Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution

Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000

Career Training and Educational Opportunities

Merchant Discounts

Concierge prescription delivery

Qualifications

• 3 years of microbiome analysis experience required.
• Experience with high-throughput sequencing data (e.g., RNASeq).

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive analyses of microbiome sequencing data.
• Collaborate with the research team to design and complete analyses.

Skills

R

Python

Microbial Ecology

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics

Tools

Linux/Unix

Git

Job description

Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions. Students at University of Arkansas System two-year institutions will also view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for “Find Jobs for Students”.

All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated).

If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through “My Draft Applications” located on your Candidate Home page.

Closing Date: 06/11/2025

Type of Position: Researchers

Job Type: Regular

Work Shift:

Sponsorship Available: No

Institution Name: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) has a unique combination of education, research, and clinical programs that encourages and supports teamwork and diversity. We champion being a collaborative health care organization, focused on improving patient care and the lives of Arkansans.

UAMS offers amazing benefits and perks (available for benefits eligible positions only):

• Health: Medical, Dental and Vision plans available for qualifying staff and family
• Holiday, Vacation and Sick Leave
• Education discount for staff and dependents (undergraduate only)
• Retirement: Up to 10% matched contribution from UAMS
• Basic Life Insurance up to $50,000
• Career Training and Educational Opportunities
• Merchant Discounts
• Concierge prescription delivery on the main campus when using UAMS pharmacy

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

For general application assistance or questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Department: COM | Peds Infectious Diseases Research

Department's Website:

Summary of Job Duties: We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant I with computational expertise in bioinformatics and/or computational biology to join our multidisciplinary research team studying the microbiome and host-microbe interactions of relevance to infections occurring during childhood. The successful candidate will lead computational analyses focused on the microbiome and other high-throughput sequencing datasets (e.g., RNASeq) to support translational research focused on respiratory and other infections in children. This individual will be mentored by Dr. Matthew Kelly (Section Chief, Infectious Diseases, Arkansas Children’s Hospital), a faculty member at the Arkansas Children’s Research Institute. This role offers the opportunity to engage in innovative research at the intersection of genomics, microbial ecology, and child health, while working closely with clinical investigators, laboratory scientists, students, and external collaborators.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in bioinformatics, biostatistics, biological sciences, or a related field plus three (3) years of microbiome analysis and/or other high-throughput sequencing data (e.g., RNASeq) experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Proficiency with coding using languages such as R and/or Python (or other translatable analytical software), and familiarity with common microbiome software and pipelines.
• Strong understanding of microbial ecology, host-pathogen interactions, and/or microbial genomics.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work independently as well as collaboratively.
• Experience with Linux/Unix environments, cloud computing, and version control systems (e.g., Git).

Additional Information:

Responsibilities:

• Perform comprehensive analyses of microbiome sequencing data (e.g., 16S rRNA gene, metagenomic, and metatranscriptomic datasets), with a focus on microbial ecology, taxonomic and functional profiling, and host-microbe interactions.
• Apply and develop computational workflows for multi-omic data integration (e.g., microbiome + host transcriptome).
• Collaborate closely with other members of the research team to design and complete analyses, and prepare summaries of results for publications, conference presentations, or grant applications.
• Maintain and optimize reproducible pipelines using tools such as DADA2, Kraken2, HUMAnN, and relevant statistical frameworks (e.g., R, Python).
• Participate in regular project meetings and provide progress updates.
• Support long-term data infrastructure goals, including data organization, storage, and sharing.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Information: Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply: Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents:

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Recruitment Contact Information: Please contact [e-mail] for any recruiting related questions.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements: Criminal Background Check, Substance Abuse Testing

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Constant Physical Activity: Balancing, Climbing, Crawling, Crouching, Feeling, Grasping, Hearing, Kneeling, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, N/A, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sharps, Sitting, Standing, Stooping, Talking, Walking

Frequent Physical Activity: N/A

Occasional Physical Activity: N/A

Benefits Eligible: Yes