Research Associate - CBP Del Rio Lab

University of Kansas Medical Center•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

A full-time Research Associate position in Dr. Del Rio’s laboratory supports an NIH-funded R01 project investigating neural mechanisms underlying cardiorespiratory regulation. The role involves independently conducting and supporting experiments to define neuronal activity and neural mechanisms involved in cardiorespiratory regulation, using advanced in vivo and ex vivo/in situ approaches. The Research Associate will analyze quantitative data, troubleshoot experimental procedures, and contribute to interpretation and dissemination of findings. Research takes place in modern laboratory space equipped for integrative physiology, neural recordings, and fiber photometry within the University of Kansas Medical Center’s collaborative research environment. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in a related scientific field and substantial relevant research experience. A master’s degree or other advanced training is preferred. The employee performs experiments under the PI’s direction and contributes to protocol development, laboratory operations, research compliance, and communication of results. The role is fixed term and full time, with hourly compensation listed at $24.71–$35.82 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biology, neuroscience, physiology, biomedical sciences, or another related scientific field, with substantial relevant research experience.
Experience in neuroscience, physiology, integrative physiology, or a related biomedical field.
Experience with rodent handling and in vivo experimental procedures.
Experience with neurophysiological techniques such as fiber photometry, electrophysiology, neural recordings, stereotaxic surgery, or physiological data acquisition.
Experience with quantitative analysis of physiological or neurophysiological data.
Experience training or providing technical guidance to students and junior laboratory personnel.
Ability to conduct experiments with increasing independence, troubleshoot technical problems, and maintain accurate research documentation.
Analytical skills.
Organizational skills.
Time management skills.
Written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Master’s or PhD in neuroscience, physiology, biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field from an accredited institution.
Experience with rodent models, in vivo physiology, neurophysiology, fiber photometry, electrophysiology, stereotaxic procedures, or related experimental approaches.

Responsibilities

Perform research experiments under the direction of the PI and contribute to the development and optimization of experimental protocols.
Conduct in vivo fiber photometry experiments to assess neuronal activity in rodent models.
Perform in situ brainstem neural recordings and related neurophysiological experiments.
Perform rodent handling, surgical procedures, physiological monitoring, experimental preparation, and post-procedural care as required by approved protocols.
Maintain mouse and/or rat colonies, including breeding, record keeping, and genotyping as needed.
Perform histological, molecular, and other endpoint analyses associated with ongoing studies.
Process, analyze, interpret, and organize complex physiological and neurophysiological datasets.
Troubleshoot experimental procedures, instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and analytical workflows.
Maintain laboratory equipment, experimental supplies, inventories, and records necessary for ongoing research activities.
Participate in laboratory and individual meetings with the PI, including presentation and interpretation of experimental results.
Contribute to the preparation of figures, scientific manuscripts, abstracts, presentations, progress reports, and grant applications.
Assist with training and technical guidance of junior laboratory personnel and students when appropriate.
Follow established quality control, quality assurance, animal-use, biosafety, and regulatory procedures, including appropriate documentation.
Assist with maintaining laboratory regulatory, animal-use, and research compliance documentation.
Perform other research-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

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