Research Associate

Job Type:

Staff

Job Description:

Kansas City University is seeking a motivated and collaborative Research Associate to join the Dybedal Research Center on the Kansas City campus. This position offers an opportunity to participate in biomedical research focused on how epigenetic mechanisms influence gene expression during cardiac development, with relevance to congenital heart defects.

A central responsibility for this position is supporting the Biomedical Research Methodology course. The Research Associate will play an active role in preparing laboratory materials, supporting instructional activities, and supervising, mentoring, and guiding students during laboratory sessions and course-related research projects. This position requires strong technical expertise in molecular biology and cell culture, as well as a commitment to student learning and laboratory education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and culture human and other mammalian cell lines under sterile conditions
• Perform routine cell culture techniques, including passaging, cryopreservation, thawing, and viability assessment
• Conduct molecular biology experiments, including RNA and DNA extraction, PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR
• Perform bacterial cloning workflows, including plasmid construction, transformation, colony screening, and plasmid preparation
• Support gene expression and RNA regulation studies using cell-based experimental systems
• Perform transfection and other gene delivery techniques as needed for experimental workflows
• Conduct DNA sequencing workflows and support sequence verification and analysis
• Interpret next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including basic processing, quality assessment, and gene expression or transcriptomic analysis
• Process, organize, and analyze biological samples for molecular biology experiments
• Assist with experimental design, optimization, and troubleshooting of molecular and cell-based assays
• Perform data analysis for gene expression studies, including statistical analysis and interpretation of results
• Prepare figures, tables, and summaries for manuscripts, presentations, grant applications, research presentations and laboratory reports
• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks, databases, protocols, and sample records
• Assist faculty with the Biomedical Research Methodology course, including preparation of reagents, cell culture materials, molecular biology reagents, cloning and sequencing materials, protocols, and instructional setups
• Supervise and guide students during laboratory sessions, providing hands-on instruction in cell culture, molecular biology, bacterial cloning, sequencing, and related laboratory techniques
• Assist with laboratory organization, inventory management, equipment maintenance, and preparation between teaching sessions

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or a bachelor’s degree with two years of equivalent research experience
• Three or more years of experience in a biomedical research laboratory is preferred
• Strong expertise in molecular biology techniques and mammalian cell culture is required
• Experience with bacterial cloning, DNA sequencing workflows, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis is preferred
• Experience with gene expression analysis, RNA biology, or related molecular research methods is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to support and supervise students in a laboratory teaching or research environment
• Strong understanding of experimental design, laboratory protocols, and data interpretation
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to high-quality, reproducible research
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and students in a shared research and teaching environment
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and professional discretion
• Proficiency with standard computer applications and data analysis tools used in research settings

Physical Requirements:

• Physical dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive laboratory tasks and operate laboratory instruments, computer keyboards, and related equipment
• Ability to handle laboratory materials and access supplies stored at various heights, including overhead storage
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person and in group settings
• Ability to operate a computer for extended periods, including several hours continuously
• Mental acuity sufficient to analyze data, interpret results, solve problems, and make informed scientific and instructional decisions

Equal Opportunity Employer

KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law.

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Thank you for your interest in a career at KCU!