Research Assistant - Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) (Nucifora Lab)

About the role

Department: SOM KC Neurology

Nucifora Research

About the role

Job Family Group: Professional Staff

Job Description Summary

The laboratory of Dr. Leslie Nucifora is seeking a Research Assistant to support research investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying psychosis in neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

The research assistant will contribute to laboratory studies using human biospecimens, cell culture models, and biochemical and cell biological techniques. Responsibilities will include biospecimen processing and management, cell culture maintenance, laboratory experimentation, data collection and analysis, and support for research publications. The position offers an opportunity to contribute to translational neuroscience research while developing technical expertise in molecular and cellular approaches to understanding neuropsychiatric disorders.

Job Duties

• Perform clinical and research laboratory experiments independently or under supervision, following established protocols and procedures.
• Apply foundational knowledge in the biological sciences to learn and implement laboratory techniques and methods relevant to ongoing research projects.
• Process and handle biological specimens using established procedures, including centrifugation, pipetting, sample preparation, and sample tracking.
• Operate basic laboratory instruments and analytical equipment in accordance with established protocols.
• Assist with the organization, tracking, and long-term storage of biospecimens, including postmortem human tissue, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and fibroblasts.
• Maintain accurate inventories of biospecimens and laboratory materials, ensuring appropriate documentation and traceability of samples and associated experimental data.
• Collect, organize, enter, and maintain research data in electronic databases.
• Perform basic data analysis and contribute to the preparation of figures, results, and other materials for scientific manuscripts and publications.
• Assist in developing and updating study-related manuals of procedures and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Nucifora Lab activities.
• Support the training of laboratory personnel in routine laboratory techniques, standard procedures, and equipment operation.
• Develop troubleshooting and problem-solving skills through progressive training and increasing familiarity with research objectives and experimental methods.
• Collaborate with laboratory members to coordinate and complete study activities and provide support for additional research tasks as needed.
• Perform routine laboratory maintenance, monitor and replenish supplies, assist with ordering laboratory materials, and maintain clean and organized workspaces and equipment.

Additional information

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

• Two (2) years of experience in laboratory research.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or related field.

Work Experience

• Experience with biochemical and cell biological techniques, such as Western blotting and immunostaining.
• Experience maintaining cell cultures and performing routine cell culture procedures.
• Experience in neuropsychiatric disorders, molecular neuroscience, and translational research.
• Experience with biostatistical analysis using R.

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Communication 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.

• 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