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

University of Kansas Medical Center•Kansas City, KS

10d

About The Position

The laboratory of Dr. Leslie Nucifora is seeking a Research Assistant to support research investigating molecular mechanisms underlying psychosis in neuropsychiatric disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia. The role contributes to laboratory studies using human biospecimens, cell culture models, and biochemical and cell biological techniques. Duties 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.

Requirements

Two years of experience in laboratory research.
Attention to detail.
Organizational skills.
Communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, biomedical engineering, or a related field.
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.

Responsibilities

Perform clinical and research laboratory experiments independently or under supervision, following established protocols and procedures.
Apply foundational biological sciences knowledge 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 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 preparing 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 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.

Benefits

Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage beginning on day one.
Health expense accounts with generous employer contributions for employees participating in a qualifying health plan.
Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance.
Additional voluntary insurance plans.
Paid vacation and sick time accruing upon hire.
Ten paid holidays.
One paid discretionary day after six months of employment.
Paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave after 12 months of employment.
Retirement program with a generous employer contribution.
Additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b).