Research Assistant II

Research Assistant I/II

The Department of Physiology and Cell Biology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) is seeking a Research Assistant I/II to join the laboratory of Dr. Melda Onal. The laboratory conducts innovative research focused on skeletal biology and bone disease. The selected candidate will support two primary research projects: investigating the roles of different forms of autophagy in skeletal biology and developing CRISPR interference mouse models for loss-of-function studies.

This position performs molecular and cellular biology experiments, maintains genetically modified mouse colonies, supports in vivo and ex vivo studies, manages laboratory supplies and records, and assists with laboratory training and safety compliance.

• Bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, or a related field PLUS two (2) years of related laboratory or research experience with cell-culture experience.
• Ability and willingness to safely handle and perform research involving laboratory mice.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Basic knowledge of research laboratory equipment and procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate, complete, and organized laboratory records.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of basic molecular and cellular biology techniques.
• Ability to follow research protocols and perform experiments accurately.
• Ability to analyze data and communicate research findings.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research laboratory.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet established deadlines.
• Commitment to laboratory safety, research integrity, and regulatory compliance.

• Perform laboratory experiments under the direction of the Principal Investigator.
• Collect, analyze, present, and maintain accurate research data and records.
• Perform molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, transfections, Western blotting, qRT-PCR, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry.
• Conduct in vitro, ex vivo, and mouse-based skeletal biology experiments.
• Maintain genetically modified mouse colonies, including weaning, genotyping, tracking, and recordkeeping.
• Perform DEXA bone-density scans and other assigned animal-research procedures.
• Order, receive, organize, and maintain laboratory supplies and reagents.
• Prepare laboratory media, buffers, stock reagents, and other materials.
• Train students and new laboratory personnel on basic procedures and equipment.
• Follow animal-care, laboratory-safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe laboratory environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Salary Information:
Commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:
Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents:

Recruitment Contact Information:
Please contact ask recruitment for any recruiting related questions.

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

No Background Check Required

This position is subject to pre-employment screening (criminal background, drug testing, and/or education verification). A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication alone shall not disqualify an applicant except as provided by law. Any criminal history will be evaluated in relationship to job responsibilities and business necessity. The information obtained in these reports will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.

Grasping, Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sharps, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking

Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sharps, Sitting, Standing, Talking, Walking

Feeling, Lifting, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Pulling, Pushing, Reaching, Repetitive Motion, Sharps

Yes