Research Associate

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

Job summary

University of Kentucky’s Chattopadhyay Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics seeks a motivated Research Associate to join NIH-funded antiviral innate immunity research in Lexington, KY. The successful candidate will lead projects using molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, and viral infection models.

PhD required; experience in mammalian cell culture and biochemical techniques preferred.

Qualifications

• PhD in virology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, or related biomedical discipline.
• Strong experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular/biochemical techniques.
• Excellent experimental design and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to research projects using molecular biology, biochemistry, cell culture, and viral infection models.
• Publish first-author manuscripts and present findings at scientific meetings.
• Contribute to grant development and develop new research directions.

Skills

Mammalian cell culture

Molecular techniques

Biochemical techniques

Experimental design

Data analysis

Scientific record keeping

Data presentation software

Education

PhD

Tools

qRT-PCR

Immunoblotting

Microscopy

Mouse models

Job description

Department Name 7H400:Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Gen

Work Location

Lexington, KY

Grade Level

44

Salary Range

$44,678-71,469/year

Type of Position

Staff

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?

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

10/28/2026

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.

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