Research Associate

Job Type: Staff Job Description: Kansas City University is seeking a motivated Research Associate to join the Dybedal Research Center on the Kansas City campus. In this role, you will contribute to innovative research investigating how noncoding RNAs regulate alternative splicing and influence embryonic development, with a focus on congenital heart defects. The position combines hands-on laboratory experimentation, molecular and developmental biology techniques, bioinformatics, data analysis, and scientific communication, offering the opportunity to make meaningful contributions in a collaborative and research-driven environment. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Culture and maintain human, animal, and embryonic cell models • Perform molecular biology techniques, including RNA/DNA extraction, PCR, and quantitative RT-PCR • Assist with gene and RNA expression studies using cell and embryo models • Conduct and support developmental biology experiments using quail embryo models (training provided) • Collect, process, and analyze biological samples for molecular and developmental research • Perform genomic, gene expression, and bioinformatics data analysis, including RNA sequencing and statistical analysis • Prepare figures, tables, and research data for manuscripts, presentations, and grant applications • Maintain accurate laboratory records, databases, and research documentation • Ensure compliance with laboratory safety and research regulations • Contribute to scientific publications, grant proposals, and laboratory presentations • Mentor students and support a collaborative research environment while ensuring compliance with laboratory safety and research regulations Qualifications • Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree plus 1-2 years equivalent experience • 3+ years’ experience working in biomedical research laboratory is preferred • Ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, and students, prioritizing team’s goals • Detail-oriented, ensuring that all tasks are completed with care and precision • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with both our research team and external personnel • Ability to analyze a situation and exercise good judgment and discretion as appropriate • Strong working knowledge of research and experimental protocols • Proficiency in basic computer applications, ability to leverage technology to enhance productivity and efficiency Physical Requirements: • Physical dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms, and shoulders repetitively to operate a keyboard and other office equipment, use a telephone, access file cabinets and other items stored at various levels, including overhead • Ability to speak and hear well enough to communicate clearly and understandably with sufficient volume to ensure an accurate exchange of information in normal conversational distance, over the telephone, and in a group setting • Ability to continuously operate a personal computer for extended periods of time (4 or more hours) • Mental acuity sufficient to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and 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!