UASYS

Research Assistant

Fayetteville Full time

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Closing Date:

12/16/2025


Type of Position:

Technical Research Support


Workstudy Position:

No


Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)


Work Shift:

Day Shift (United States of America)


Sponsorship Available:

No


Institution Name:

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville

Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation’s top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations.

The University of Arkansas campus is located in Fayetteville, a welcoming community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. The growing region surrounding Fayetteville is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and one of the nation’s strongest economies. Northwest Arkansas is also quickly gaining a national reputation for its focus on the arts and overall quality of life.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions, you should review before applying for the opening.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process, please submit a request via the Disability Accommodations | OEOC | University of Arkansas (uark.edu) : Request an Accommodation. Appli­cants are required to submit a request for each position of which they have applied.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 479.575.5351.


Department:

Department of Biological Sciences Research


Department's Website:


Summary of Job Duties:

The Zhuang Lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Arkansas seeks a full-time Research Assistant to support an NIH MIRA project investigating gene–environment interactions in complex traits using multi-omics approaches in Drosophila. The Research Assistant will carry out day-to-day experimental work, maintain research operations, and contribute to team science in a collaborative environment.

Primary responsibilities:
• Plan, execute, and document Drosophila experiments, including stock maintenance, genetic crosses, and phenotyping.
• Prepare samples for molecular assays and multi-omics workflows, and coordinate submissions to core facilities.
• Maintain accurate electronic records, organize project data, and prepare figures and summaries for reports, presentations, and manuscripts.
• Support laboratory operations, including ordering, inventory, routine equipment upkeep, and compliance with safety and university policies.
• Communicate progress at lab meetings and research seminars, collaborate with lab members and external partners, and contribute to troubleshooting.
• Mentor and oversee undergraduate researchers in routine tasks.

Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others.


Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Biology or a closely related field

  • Proficiency with basic molecular biology techniques, including accurate pipetting, buffer and solution preparation, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and sterile technique

  • Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and keep parallel experiments on track

  • Strong teamwork and communication skills, with a collaborative approach to troubleshooting and sharing responsibilities in a fast-paced lab

  • Demonstrated excellence in organization, attention to detail, and maintaining thorough, up-to-date records

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Background in genetics and evolutionary biology, with the ability to analyze and interpret experimental results

  • Drosophila research experience, including stock maintenance and tracking, genetic crosses and balancer strategies, and phenotyping

  • Experience using R for data analysis, visualization, and producing reproducible reports


Additional Information:

This position is renewable based on the need for the position, availability of funding, and continued satisfactory level of performance in the role.


Salary Information:

Commensurate with education and experience.


Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details), Resume, Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Optional Documents:

Proof of Veteran Status


Recruitment Contact Information:

Xuan Zhuang, PhD, Assistant Professor, xz036@uark.edu


All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS  

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.


Special Instructions to Applicants:

A statement of research/working experience and career goals.


Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry

The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University’s Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.


Constant Physical Activity:

N/A


Frequent Physical Activity:

N/A


Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A


Benefits Eligible:

Yes