Assistant Researcher

Position Overview

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is seeking a motivated Assistant Researcher to support ongoing laboratory studies in molecular and cellular mechanisms relevant to neurodegenerative disease. The successful candidate will assist with experimental work involving cell-based assays, protein analysis, tissue staining, data organization, and general laboratory operations. The Assistant Researcher will work as part of a collaborative academic research laboratory focused on molecular biology, cellular physiology, and disease-related mechanisms. Responsibilities will include performing standard laboratory assays, maintaining cell cultures, preparing samples, documenting experimental results, and supporting day-to-day research activities under the direction of the principal investigator and senior laboratory staff.

Responsibilities

• Experimental Research activities (30%): Perform molecular and cellular biology experiments, including Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture. Organize and analyze basic experimental results.
• Laboratory Operations and Maintenance (30%): Maintain mammalian cell cultures using sterile technique. Prepare reagents, buffers, media, and experimental samples. Maintain accurate laboratory records and experimental documentation.
• Data Collection and Documentation (20%): Assist with imaging, sample processing, and data collection. Implementing R-coding of multiomic data. Visualization and graphing key results.
• Research Collaboration and Support (15%): Support general laboratory maintenance, including inventory, ordering, equipment upkeep, and compliance with institutional safety procedures. Work collaboratively with faculty, trainees, and other research staff.
• Other duties as assigned (5%)

Position Requirements

This position will be based in a university research laboratory. The role requires regular work with biological samples, cell culture systems, laboratory reagents, and standard molecular biology equipment. Training will be provided for laboratory-specific protocols and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, cell biology, or a related field OR a High School Diploma and four (4) years of related experience.
• One (1) year of hands-on laboratory experience in molecular or cellular biology.
• One (1) year of experience with Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and cell culture techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience that required the ability to maintain accurate records and follow established laboratory protocols as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience that required the ability to work both independently and as part of a team as evidenced by application materials.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration, neuroscience, or related biomedical research areas as evidenced by application materials.
• Some coding or data-analysis experience in R as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience with microscopy, image analysis, protein quantification, or cell-based assays as evidenced by application materials.
• Experience working in an academic research environment as evidenced by application materials.

Pay

Starting at $50,000, commensurate with experience.

Schedule

Anticipated start date: Monday, August 24, 2026.