University of Kansas Medical Center

Research Assistant - Internal Medicine (Endocrinology, Metabolism & Genetics)

Kansas City Metro Area Full time

Department:

SOM KC Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Metabolism & Genetics

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Diabetes Institute

Position Title:

Research Assistant - Internal Medicine (Endocrinology, Metabolism & Genetics)

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The Research Assistant in the Lutkewitte lab supports research focused on adipose tissue biology and systemic metabolism, with an emphasis on understanding metabolic crosstalk in the context of obesity. The role contributes to a project examining the mechanistic links between adipose tissue dysfunction and dysregulated hepatic metabolism, including pathways driving hepatic de novo lipogenesis. Work involves mouse models, in vitro cell lines, and primary hepatocyte and adipocyte systems, using comprehensive metabolic testing, multi-omic approaches, and radioisotopic and isotopic tracing methods to investigate molecular signaling mechanisms under controlled experimental conditions.

Job Description:

Job Duties: 

  • Assist with molecular biology-related tasks: PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting techniques, microscopy, and basic image analysis. 

  • Perform mouse husbandry and basic animal handling. 

  • Assist with primary cell and general tissue culture. 

  • Assist with additional activities and duties related to the general lab maintenance. 

  • Perform research with live mouse models and tissue samples. 

  • Perform collaborative studies with other research laboratories at KUMC. 

 

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: Four (4) years’ experience in the field of biological sciences. Education may be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis. 

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. 

Work Experience: Laboratory experience including skills such pipetting, preparing buffers, performing PCR and qPCR. 

 

Skills: 

  • Attention to detail 

  • Organization

  • Multitasking 

  • Interpersonal 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. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Employee Type:

Fixed Term (Fixed Term)

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