Research Assistant - BMB Research Staff

Department:
SOM KC Biochemistry

-----

Research Staff
Position Title:
Research Assistant - BMB Research Staff
Job Family Group:
Professional Staff
Job Description Summary:
Perform a variety of complex technical duties involved in conducting physical, chemical, biological and other research laboratory tests, experiments and determinations to obtain data for research purposes; compile, analyze, document and draw tentative conclusions from experimental results. Confer with principal investigator to review work assignments and develop plans for research experiments; make minor modifications to existing laboratory procedures and techniques to meet the needs of the particular equipment as required. Review laboratory methods manual, scientific journals, abstracts and other literature for information applicable to research experiments. A research assistant position is available immediately in the NIH-funded Genome Maintenance Biology group of Dr. Bret Freudenthal. The candidate selected for the position will work as part of a diverse research group, encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level scientists, employing multiple cellular, molecular biology, structural, and biochemical approaches focusing on determining how genome and telomere stability is maintained. The technician will work on a number of projects in the lab as needs arise. Past technicians have been on multiple publications from the lab. For more information about the laboratory, please see our website at www.freudenthallab.com.
Job Description:

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Primary duties will include cellular microscopy, protein immunoblotting, maintenance of cell cultures, and DNA isolation and analysis.

• Attend all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and Department, attend departmental seminars and attend regular lab meetings. Provide laboratory training for new students and fellows in the lab.

• Will participate in various research projects under the guidance of the faculty supervisor, record and interpret the results of their experiments in a laboratory notebook.

• Interact on a regular basis with faculty and other members of the laboratory to discuss experimental design and interpretation of results. Develop and maintain lab guidelines for specific studies as directed by lab supervisor.

• Order supplies and negotiate prices on lab consumables. Follow established quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures, including appropriate documentation.

• Serve as lab safety person as needed. Dispose of biohazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials according to policy, and strictly adheres to safety and biosafety control procedures.

• Calibrate, maintain, and operate equipment keeping appropriate documentation. Report malfunctions to supervisor. Maintain adequate inventory of lab kits and reagents.

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:

• 2 years of experience in either cellular biology, molecular biology, or biochemistry. Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. 

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's in biology, chemistry, or medicine or other science/medicine-related area.

Work Experience:

• Previous lab experience working with tissue culture.

• Previous lab experience working with protein expression and purification.

Skills

• Written and verbal communication skills.

• Computer skills, data management, and organizational skills.

Required Documents:

• Resume/CV

• 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:
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:
$22.88 - $33.17

Minimum

$22.88

Midpoint

$28.03

Maximum

$33.17