Research Assistant I

University of Arkansas System•Little Rock, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Nicaise and Willis Labs in the Department of Neuroscience at UAMS investigate the role of neuroinflammation and glial dysfunction in disease, with a focus on multiple sclerosis. Our work integrates human induced pluripotent stem cells, mouse models, and multi-omic approaches (sequencing, proteomics, metabolomics) to understand how neuroinflammation contributes to progressive neurological disease. We are newly established, growing labs looking for a laboratory manager to help build our foundation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree plus one (1) year of experience in research experience required.
Specialized formal training in animal colony maintenance, genotyping, Western blot, DNA/RNA analysis, real-time PCR, and/or related experience.
Proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day lab operations, including inventory maintenance and ordering.
Maintain compliance with institutional, IACUC, and IBC protocols.
Coordinate onboarding/training for new lab members (students, technicians).
Ensure compliance with University, State, and Federal guidelines for laboratory safety.
Perform mouse colony management, including breeding and mouse experiments.
Prepare mouse tissue samples.
Support in vitro tissue culture maintenance.
Assist with molecular biology techniques (RNA/DNA/protein extraction, bacterial growth, qPCR, immunostaining, Western blotting).
Bacterial culture, transformation, and lentiviral/adeno-associated viral production.
Maintain lab notebooks, protocols, and data management.
Serve as a point of contact for day-to-day lab logistics for students and staff.
Help foster a collaborative, safety-conscious, and productive lab environment.
Perform other duties as assigned.