Research Associate

University of Kentucky; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 45,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chattopadhyay Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our NIH-funded program investigating antiviral innate immunity and inflammatory signaling.

The successful candidate will lead and contribute to research projects using molecular biology, cell culture, biochemistry, cell culture, viral infection models, and mouse models.

Qualifications

• Experience with cell culture and molecular/biochemical techniques is essential.
• Experience in virology or innate immunity is desirable but not required.
• Strong experimental, organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to design experiments and analyze data.
• Experience with mouse models is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead research projects using molecular biology and cell culture.
• Work with viral infection models and mouse models.
• Publish first-author manuscripts and present findings at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to grant development.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular techniques

Biochemistry

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific record keeping

Education

PhD in a biomedical discipline (virology/immunology/microbiology)

Tools

qRT-PCR

Immunoblotting

Microscopy

Viral infection models

Job description

Department Name 7H400:Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Gen

Work Location

Work Location Lexington, KY

Grade Level 44

Salary Range

Salary Range $44,678-71,469/year

Type of Position

Type of Position Staff

Position Time Status

Position Time Status Full-Time

Required Education

PhD

Required License/Registration/Certification

None

Physical Requirements

Required routine handling of light-weight objects up to 10 pounds, or some standing or walking for extended period

Shift

Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm with some evenings and weekends as needed.

Job Summary

The Chattopadhyay Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our NIH -funded research program investigating antiviral innate immunity and inflammatory signaling. Our laboratory studies how interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), interferon-stimulated genes, and cellular signaling pathways regulate host responses to viral infection and inflammation.

The successful candidate will lead and contribute to research projects using molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, cell culture, viral infection models, and mouse models. Opportunities are available to develop new research directions, publish first-author manuscripts, present findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to grant development. The position is particularly well suited for a PhD scientist seeking advanced research experience and preparation for an independent academic or biomedical research career.

Candidates with experience in cell culture and molecular/biochemical techniques are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience in virology, innate immunity, immunology, or animal models is desirable but not required.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities

Mammalian cell culture; molecular and biochemical techniques; experimental design and data analysis; scientific record keeping; proficiency with standard data-analysis and presentation software. Experience with viral infection models, immunoblotting, qRT- PCR , microscopy, or animal models is preferred.

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities?

Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No

Preferred Education/Experience

PhD in virology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related biomedical discipline. Strong experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular or biochemical techniques is preferred. Experience in virology, innate immunity, inflammatory signaling, microscopy, or animal models is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong experimental, organizational, communication, and scientific problem-solving skills.

Deadline to Apply

Deadline to Apply 09/23/2026

Our University Community

We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.

The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.

Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.