Research Assistant - Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology)

University of Kansas Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental and vision insurance on

Employer-paid life insurance and long‑

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City seeks a Research Assistant to support the Singh Laboratory’s gut-brain axis research. You will assist with murine models of PTSD and gut inflammation, perform routine experiments, and help with data collection and record-keeping under senior staff supervision.

The role requires four years of relevant experience or equivalent education, with background in molecular biology techniques, and mouse handling.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of relevant work experience; education may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including DNA, RNA, protein, and cell culture; mouse handling; and in vitro/in vivo studies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preclinical research using murine PTSD and gut inflammation models.
• Perform routine lab experiments and support assay execution under supervision.
• Monitor experiments, report issues, and help troubleshoot to maintain continuity.
• Collect and record accurate experimental data per guidelines.
• Provide data and preliminary figure drafts to PI for meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with lab staff under guidance from PI and senior researchers.

Skills

Collaboration

Communication

Attention to detail

Time management

Multi-tasking

Education

Master’s Degree in biological sciences

Tools

Western blotting

PCR/DNA cloning

RNAseq analysis

Job description

Department: SOM KC Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology and Hepatology ----- Medicine-Gastroenterology Position Title: Research Assistant - Internal Medicine (Gastroenterology) Job Family Group: Professional Staff

Job Description Summary

The Research Assistant in the Division of Gastroenterology, will support the Singh Laboratory's research on the gut-brain axis and intestinal inflammation. This role involves assisting with murine models of PTSD and gut inflammation, supporting laboratory experiments, and utilizing established biochemical and imaging techniques. The Research Assistant will contribute to data collection, maintain accurate records, and support ongoing research activities under the direction of the Principal Investigator and senior lab staff.

Job Duties

• Assist with preclinical research activities using murine models of PTSD and gut inflammation, following established protocols and guidance.
• Perform routine laboratory experiments and support assay execution and development activities under supervision.
• Monitor experiments, identify and report issues, and support troubleshooting to maintain experimental continuity.
• Collect, record, and maintain accurate and complete experimental data in accordance with lab and institutional guidelines.
• Support data entry, organization, and preliminary data summaries, as directed by senior lab members.
• Provide technical data and preliminary figure drafts to PI for lab meetings and conferences.
• Collaborate with lab staff and follow guidance from the PI, lab director, and senior researchers to support ongoing research initiatives.
• Contribute to the overall maintenance, cleanliness, and compliance of the laboratory.

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: Four (4) years of relevant work experience. Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. Experience with molecular biology techniques including experience working with DNA, RNA, protein, and cell culture, mouse handling as well as general molecular biology techniques. Experience with in vitro and in vivo studies.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Master’s Degree in biological sciences.

Work Experience: Experience in cell signaling and proficiency with routine molecular biology techniques, cell culture, Western blotting, PCR/DNA cloning, and small animal handling/experimentation. Experience with mouse model of intestinal inflammation and PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder). Experience with mouse behavioral assays. Experience with RNAseq and bioinformatics analysis. Experience with biobank and registry procedures.

Skills

Collaboration Communication Attention to detail Time management Multi-tasking

Required Documents

Resume 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 / Time / Rate

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

Pay Range: $22.88 - $33.17 Minimum $22.88 Midpoint $28.03 Maximum $33.17

Mission

The mission of the University of Kansas Medical Center is to improve lives and communities in Kansas and beyond through innovation in education, research, and health care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Kansas Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, age, protected veteran or disability status, marital status, parental status, or genetic information.

http://policy.ku.edu/IOA/nondiscrimination

https://kumc-publicpoliciesandprocedures.policystat.com/policy/8446235/latest/

Under Kansas state law, certain KUMC positions are subject to disability preference. For positions subject to this requirement, KUMC will offer an interview to a person who has applied for an open position who is qualified, with or without reasonable accommodation, to meet the performance standards of the position and who has presented acceptable proof of disability. If the position you apply for is subject to the disability preference requirement, you will be asked to provide information in support of your request for disability preference when you complete the application for employment.

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