WS - NSF Senior Researcher - IWS

University of Pikeville; Pikeville (KY); On-site; USD 35,818,000 - 44,083,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Pikeville invites applications for an NSF Senior Researcher in the Biology department. The role supports faculty-led research in hydroponics, mycology, and molecular biology, supervising a small team of associate students while advancing project goals through hands-on lab work, analysis, and dissemination.

The position emphasizes leadership, teamwork, and professional development, with flexible schedule considerations and opportunities to contribute to published research.

Qualifications

• Must be a current UPIKE student in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day research activities such as cleaning the lab, autoclave operation, sterile benchtop work, and hydroponic maintenance.
• Oversee other associate student researchers in their day-to-day tasks.
• Maintain hydroponic plants and prepare roots for testing.
• Assist with literature reviews for related topics.
• Prepare research documents and papers and guide associates during the process.
• Perform lab techniques such as PCR and DNA analysis.
• Present findings in oral and/or written form.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Professionalism

Career & Self-Development

Critical Thinking

Leadership

Technology

Public Speaking

Education

Current UPIKE student

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

NSF SENIOR RESEARCHER

Division: CAS Department: Biology Experience: Advanced

Job Code: NA Supervisor/Reports To: Byron Meade

Start Date: 8/24/2026

Support faculty‑led biological research in hydroponic agriculture, mycology, and molecular biology. This senior student research role involves overseeing a small team of associate student researchers while advancing project aims through hands‑on lab work, analysis, and dissemination.

Responsibilities And Career Competencies

• Assist with day‑to‑day research activities such as cleaning the lab, operating the autoclave, sterile benchtop work, and hydroponic maintenance – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, L, T
• Oversee other associate student researchers in their day‑to‑day tasks – C, TW, P, CSD, CT, L, T
• Maintain hydroponic plants and prepare roots for testing – C, T, P, CSD
• Assist with literature reviews for related topics – C, TW, L
• Prepare research documents and papers and help guide associate student researchers during the process – C, P, CSD, CTR, T, L
• Perform lab techniques such as PCR and DNA analysis – T, CSD, C, P
• Present findings in oral and/or written form – C, T, P, CTR, CT, L

Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self‑Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)

Education Requirements: Must be a current UPIKE student in good standing.

Preferred Skills: Word; Excel; PowerPoint; attention to detail; strong active listening abilities; public speaking; written & verbal communication; willingness to learn new things.

Work Schedule: Hours vary depending on workload.

Work Conditions: Heat; Cold; Light Intensity; Wetness; Humidity.

Physical Demands: Keyboarding; Reaching/Handling; Stooping/Kneeling; Crouching/Crawling; Pushing up to 50 lbs.; Pulling up to 50 lbs.; Lifting up to 50 lbs.; Carrying up to 50 lbs.

Number of Positions: 2

Pay Rate: $12.50/hour

Location: ARM 110

Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.