HS Research Assistant

HS Research Assistant

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is currently seeking a motivated individual to join Dr. Gurdeep Singh's research team at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine as a Research Assistant. Dr. Singh's lab focuses on decoding the epigenetic basis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and ocular/metastatic cancers. This is a unique opportunity to be part of cutting-edge biomedical research with direct impact on future diagnostics and therapeutics.

Candidate will be part of various scientific paper writing and publications, contribute to medical research with real-world applications and learn cutting-edge research methods. The position is specifically for the work done in the lab. This is an on-call position anticipated to go through July 31, 2027.

What You'll Do in Singh Lab:

• Perform various lab & technical tasks, procedures for assigned ongoing research studies and routine tasks associated with the execution of epigenetics & molecular biology laboratory techniques.
• Support trainees/students (undergrad, PhD, MD students and post-doc) in ongoing research projects focused on uveal melanoma, cancer epigenetics, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
• Collect, process, and establish/coordinate:
  Data, samples, tissue dissections, new protocols etc.
• Continue zebrafish work, organoid work, various culture work ensuring the proper growth and maintenance of various cell lines, spheroids etc.
• Document work, including equipment settings, procedures, and results according to lab protocols.
• Perform preliminary data experiments, assist in the routine data analysis.
• Set up, operate, maintain, and clean laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Follow good laboratory safety practices and comply with safety protocols.
• Assist with literature reviews and maintain accurate research databases.
• Learn and apply experimental design, data analytics, and research methodology.
• Collaborate with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds.
• Contribute to scientific writing and publication efforts, when appropriate.
• Apply learned techniques and knowledge to independent research projects.

Time and workdays in the lab are flexible, provided that research responsibilities and expected research output are met. Work hours must be recorded by clocking in and out on the laboratory computer. Compensation is provided only for work performed on-site in the UNM School of Medicine Singh Lab in New Mexico.

Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED; no previous experience required. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or enrollment in the final year of a bachelor's degree program.

Additional Requirements
- Ability to work occasionally on weekends as lab needs dictate.

Campus
- Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM

Department
- Department of Ophthalmology (409A)

Employment Type

- Staff

Staff Type
- On-Call

Status
- Non-Exempt

Pay
- Hourly: $16.88 - $21.14

Benefits Eligible

ERB Statement
- As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than.
25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.

Background Check Required
- No

For Best Consideration Date - 8/10/2026

Eligible for Remote Work
- No

Application Instructions
- Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application. Please attach Cover Letter explaining interest in the position and highlighting relevant skills/background, scientific writing experience etc. Attach Resume or CV. If available, a sample of your scientific writing or a brief description of any relevant previous projects and transcripts.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.