Research Scientist

Research Scientist

R-0002949

Kansas City Campus

Job Type:

Staff

Job Description:

Kansas City University is seeking a motivated and collaborative
Research Scientist to join the Dybedal Research Center on the
Kansas City campus. This position offers an opportunity to
participate in biomedical research focused on how epigenetic
mechanisms influence gene expression during cardiac development,
with relevance to congenital heart defects.

A central responsibility for this position is supporting the
Biomedical Research Methodology course. The Research Scientist will
play an active role in preparing laboratory materials, supporting
instructional activities, and supervising, mentoring, and guiding
students during laboratory sessions and course-related research
projects. This position requires strong technical expertise in
molecular biology and cell culture, as well as a commitment to
student learning and laboratory education.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain and culture human and other mammalian cell lines under

sterile conditions

• Perform routine cell culture techniques, including passaging,

cryopreservation, thawing, and viability assessment

• Conduct molecular biology experiments, including RNA and DNA

extraction, PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR

• Perform bacterial cloning workflows, including plasmid

construction, transformation, colony screening, and plasmid
preparation

• Support gene expression and RNA regulation studies using

cell-based experimental systems

• Perform transfection and other gene delivery techniques as

needed for experimental workflows

• Conduct DNA sequencing workflows and support sequence

verification and analysis

• Interpret next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, including

basic processing, quality assessment, and gene expression or
transcriptomic analysis

• Process, organize, and analyze biological samples for molecular

biology experiments

• Assist with experimental design, optimization, and

troubleshooting of molecular and cell-based assays

• Perform data analysis for gene expression studies, including

statistical analysis and interpretation of results

• Prepare figures, tables, and summaries for manuscripts,

presentations, grant applications, research presentations and
laboratory reports

• Maintain accurate and detailed laboratory notebooks, databases,

protocols, and sample records

• Assist faculty with the Biomedical Research Methodology course,

including preparation of reagents, cell culture materials,
molecular biology reagents, cloning and sequencing materials,
protocols, and instructional setups

• Supervise and guide students during laboratory sessions,

providing hands-on instruction in cell culture, molecular biology,
bacterial cloning, sequencing, and related laboratory
techniques

• Assist with laboratory organization, inventory management,

equipment maintenance, and preparation between teaching
sessions

Qualifications

• PhD degree in a relevant scientific discipline, or a master's

degree with four years of equivalent research experience

• Five or more years of experience in a biomedical research

laboratory is preferred

• Strong expertise in molecular biology techniques and mammalian

cell culture is required

• Experience with bacterial cloning, DNA sequencing workflows,

and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis is
preferred

• Experience with gene expression analysis, RNA biology, or

related molecular research methods is strongly preferred

• Demonstrated ability to support and supervise students in a

laboratory teaching or research environment

• Strong understanding of experimental design, laboratory

protocols, and data interpretation

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to high-quality,

reproducible research

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, and

students in a shared research and teaching environment

• Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and

professional discretion

• Proficiency with standard computer applications and data

analysis tools used in research settings

Physical Requirements:

• Physical dexterity sufficient to perform repetitive laboratory

tasks and operate laboratory instruments, computer keyboards, and
related equipment

• Ability to handle laboratory materials and access supplies

stored at various heights, including overhead storage

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person and in

group settings

• Ability to operate a computer for extended periods, including

several hours continuously

• Mental acuity sufficient to analyze data, interpret results,

solve problems, and make informed scientific and instructional
decisions

Equal Opportunity Employer

KCU is committed to promoting an equal employment opportunity
workplace. Equal opportunity is and shall be provided for all
employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their
demonstrated ability and competence without discrimination on the
basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic
information (GINA), physical or mental disability, pregnancy,
sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial
status, ancestry, military and/or veteran status, and/or any other
status protected by applicable Federal, state or local law.

Annual Security Report

KCU is committed to providing a safe campus for students, faculty,
and staff. Our annual campus security
report lists campus crimes and statistics for the campus and
public areas around campus for the last three years, in accordance
with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and
Campus Crime Statistics Act.

Thank you for your interest in a career at KCU!

To apply, visit https://kansascity.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Jobs/job/Kansas-City-Campus/Research-Associate_R-0002949

About Kansas City University

Founded in 1916, Kansas City University (KCU) is a fully
accredited, private not-for-private health sciences university with
Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, Biosciences and Dental Medicine,
and campuses in Kansas City and Joplin, Mo. The College of
Osteopathic Medicine is the fourth-largest medical school in the
U.S. and the leading producer of physicians in Missouri. It ranks
#1 for producing physicians who practice in primary care, rural
areas and underserved regions in the state. KCU's Center for
Population Health and Equity addresses the variables that affect a
population's health and contribute to health disparities, while
better preparing students for professional practice. KCU offers
doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, dental medicine and
clinical psychology and a master's degree in biomedical sciences.
Dual degree offerings include master's degrees in business
administration in health care leadership, public health, and
bioethics. A new Master of Health Sciences - Anesthesiologist
Assistant program is scheduled to launch in January 2026.

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