Research Assistant, Biological and Biomedical Systems, UMKC School of Science and Engineering

Duties and responsibilities

• Learning, implementing, documenting, and teaching new techniques.
• Aiding laboratory personnel (technicians, postdocs, and graduate students) with experiments.
• Performing standard molecular and biochemical techniques including PCR, Western blotting, cloning, immunohistochemistry, sample dissection, confocal microscopy, sequencing.
• Executing an independent research project within the interests of the lab.
• Documenting all experiments.
• Interpreting and analyzing the results of experiments.
• Planning the next set of experiments in consultation with the supervisor.
• Presenting and discussing experiments with supervisor and entire laboratory.
• Laboratory maintenance including dishwashing, autoclaving, general lab maintenance, ordering, fly stock maintenance, fly food preparation, buffer preparation, and laboratory organization.
• Other tasks as directed by the supervisor

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics or a similar field.
• Experience with molecular cloning, Drosophilia husbandry, protein biochemistry, muscle dissection and isolation, bioinformatics, confocal microscopy and live imaging.
• Image analysis experience with CellProfiler, ImageJ, Python, R, and Spectronaut is beneficial.
• Solid organization and communication skills, a strong work ethic, and scientific writing experience.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

Application Materials

Application materials must be submitted online at: https://www.umkc.edu/hr/careers/. Please submit a single PDF including a cover letter detailing your motivation and previous experience together with a CV that lists contact information for three references.

Contact Information

Please direct all inquiries to Dr. Maria Spletter (maria.spletter@umkc.edu), School of Science and Engineering, Department of Biological and Biomedical Systems, University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Handling of Application Materials

After initial review by the committee all uploaded materials may be shared with all faculty in the prospective home department. For affiliations and joint appointments materials may be shared with all faculty in all departments involved.

Application Deadline

Applications will be considered as received, and the position will remain open until filled.

Community Information

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds—a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city’s rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City’s biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.