Research Assistant, Biological and Biomedical Systems - 34155

Hiring Department

Biological and Biomedical Systems, UMKC School of Science and Engineering

Job Description

Animals have many different types of muscles that differ in their morphologies and contractile abilities. During development, muscle cells regulate gene expression and alternative splicing to fine-tune their contractile ability, and defects in this process lead to muscle disease. My lab is interested in understanding how RNA binding proteins, which regulate RNA processing, contribute to muscle-type specific development and function. We investigate this question in the powerful genetic model organismDrosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly which shares muscle structural components as well as the mechanism of contraction with vertebrate muscle. We employ a variety of techniques, including classic genetics, live imaging, confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry, bioinformatics, mRNA-Seq, mass spectrometry, molecular biology and protein biochemistry.

The Department of Biological and Biomedical Systems is looking for a research assistant who is excited to investigate muscle development and RNA regulation, who is interested in gaining experience with diverse laboratory techniques, and who is organized, reliable and works well on a team. If desired, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop their own research project with the interests of the lab, in addition to working with other team members.

Minimum Qualifications

The successful candidate is expected to have a Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics or a similar field. Experience with molecular cloning,Drosophilahusbandry, protein biochemistry, bioinformatics or confocal imaging are desirable, but not required. Candidates are expected to have solid organization and communication skills, and a strong work ethic.

Full Time/Part Time

Full-Time, benefit eligible, unranked/non-tenure track academic position. Initial contract is 12 months beginning Fall 2022.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline

Applications will be considered as received, and the position will remain open until filled.

Application Instructions

To be considered, please submit a single PDF including a cover letter detailing your motivation and previous experience together with a CV that lists contact information for three references.Please direct all inquiries to Mary Flores (FloresM@umkc.edu) or Dr. Maria Spletter (maria.spletter@umkc.edu), School of Science and Engineering, Department of Biological and Biomedical Systems, University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC).

If you need technical assistance, please call (800) 488-5288.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted in such a manner as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America. For more information, call the Vice Chancellor - Human Resources at 816-235-1621.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties and functions of this job. If you believe you may have difficulty performing any of the duties or functions of this job, please contact the Office of Affirmative Action at (816) 235-1323.

EEO IS THE LAW

To read more about Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) please use the following links:

• EEO is the Law English Version
• EEO is the Law Spanish Version
• EEO is the Law Chinese Version

UMKC Statement on Diversity

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the UMKC mission as an urban-serving institution. Kansas City is a particularly diverse city, including African, African American, Asian, German, Irish, Italian, Latino, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Native American and Slavic communities. Such ethnic diversity, in addition to our thriving neighborhoods of the Westside, Northeast Kansas City and the Eastside, fosters creativity, connection and innovation, which is showcased across the region. Major attractions such as the Annual Ethnic Enrichment Festival, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the Filipino Cultural Center, the American Jazz Museum, Guadalupe Centers and Mattie Rhodes and Kansas City Irish Fest are a small sample of the many ways our diverse city enriches us.

For the reasons enumerated above, UMKC’s strategic plan prioritizes our commitment to multiculturalism, globalism, diversity and inclusion. The university’s values call upon its faculty, staff, students and community to position themselves as global citizens who seek out, embrace and celebrate the many benefits of diversity. UMKC received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award in 2019 in recognition of our continued commitment to equity and inclusion. Such commitment is demonstrated across teaching, service and research. We welcome applicants to share in our commitment to these core values and know that you will quickly understand the beauty of calling Kansas City your home.

Please visit these pages to learn more about UMKC’s engagement in diversity, equity and inclusion .

Roos Advocate for Community Change

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion

Annual Report

Multicultural Student Affairs