What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Researcher position at The University of Kansas?
Position Overview
A full-time Assistant Researcher position is immediately available at the University of Kansas Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Lawrence KS under the direct supervision of Ming Zhao, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor. This is a full-time hourly position that will occasionally necessitate work during evenings and weekends. We invite individuals with a strong passion for meaningful basic and translational biomedical research to apply. To learn more about our research program and mission, please visit our laboratory website at https://pharmchem.ku.edu/people/ming-zhao-0.
This position will be directly supervised by PI Zhao, with the primary responsibility being to provide technical support to PI Zhao and other lab members in pursuit of our research agenda. More specifically, the selected candidate will work directly with the PI to establish experimental pipelines then to independently perform in vitro and in vivo experiments.
The Zhao Lab is housed in the Simons Biosciences Research Laboratories, in close proximity to the state-of-the-art Biopharmaceutical Innovation & Optimization Center, the Higuchi Laboratories Animal Facility, the Multidisciplinary Research Building, and the KU Innovation Park. Office space adjacent to the laboratory and a desktop computer will be provided.
Job Description
80%
A complete application consists of:
Application review begins Friday, August 14th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Ming Zhao, Ph.D.
mingzhao@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Starting at $41,800, commensurate with skills and experience
Application Review Begins
Friday August 14, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday August 31, 2026
A full-time Assistant Researcher position is immediately available at the University of Kansas Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Lawrence KS under the direct supervision of Ming Zhao, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor. This is a full-time hourly position that will occasionally necessitate work during evenings and weekends. We invite individuals with a strong passion for meaningful basic and translational biomedical research to apply. To learn more about our research program and mission, please visit our laboratory website at https://pharmchem.ku.edu/people/ming-zhao-0.
This position will be directly supervised by PI Zhao, with the primary responsibility being to provide technical support to PI Zhao and other lab members in pursuit of our research agenda. More specifically, the selected candidate will work directly with the PI to establish experimental pipelines then to independently perform in vitro and in vivo experiments.
The Zhao Lab is housed in the Simons Biosciences Research Laboratories, in close proximity to the state-of-the-art Biopharmaceutical Innovation & Optimization Center, the Higuchi Laboratories Animal Facility, the Multidisciplinary Research Building, and the KU Innovation Park. Office space adjacent to the laboratory and a desktop computer will be provided.
Job Description
80%
- Conduct in vitro and in vivo experiments (e.g., immunohistochemistry, confocal microscopy, ELISA, flow-cytometry, ELISpot assay, or qPCR) to analyze the effectiveness of different biopharmaceutical formulations.
- Assist in the preparation of manuscripts for publication and compiling grant submissions, as well as other documentation necessary for laboratory compliance.
- Establish and follow laboratory quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures, including appropriate documentation.
- Participate in regular communication with the PI via lab meetings and personal meetings.
- Order and maintain laboratory supplies.
- Manage the lab’s social media and outreach activities.
- Work in coordination with other lab staff members to achieve research objectives. Share expertise and contribute to a collaborative and dynamic research environment.
- Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Bioengineering, Pharmaceutical Sciences, or Chemical Engineering OR a High School Diploma and 4 years of related experience.
- Minimum two (2) years of laboratory experience in one or more of the following:
- Working knowledge of molecular biology techniques for protein, RNA, and DNA (e.g., PCR).
- Experience in polymer and nanoparticle synthesis.
- Previous experience with mammalian/microbial cell culture and animal handling.
- Strong organizational and communication skills as seen from application materials and work history.
- Previous experience utilizing quantitative analysis skills, including statistics and data presentation (GraphPad, OriginPro) as evidenced by application materials.
- Project management experience as evidenced by application materials.
- Experience in developing new standard operating procedures through literature searches.
A complete application consists of:
- A cover letter that describes how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
- A Resume or CV
- Contact information for three (3) professional references
Application review begins Friday, August 14th and will continue until a qualified pool of applicants is identified.
Contact Information to Applicants
Ming Zhao, Ph.D.
mingzhao@ku.edu
Advertised Salary Range
Starting at $41,800, commensurate with skills and experience
Application Review Begins
Friday August 14, 2026
Anticipated Start Date
Monday August 31, 2026
Salary : $41,800