Assistant Researcher/Assistant Researcher Senior

Position Overview

We are currently seeking a motivated Assistant Researcher/Assistant Researcher Senior to join the Biopharmaceutical Innovation and Optimization Center (BIO Center). The BIO Center provides drug delivery, solubilization, and stabilization services to researchers. The Center is located on the KU Lawrence West campus in McCollum Research Laboratory. The BIO Center works with researchers at the University of Kansas and with experts around the world to transform new discoveries into products for patients. A large portion of the Centers research is conducted in partnership with the KU Cancer Center (KUCC). The KUCC is one of 67 NCI- designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States. 

Job Description

Research Assistant
The ideal candidate will assist with research associated with developing assays for drugs and their metabolites for pharmacokinetic analysis using LCMS/MS. The ideal candidate should have experience with analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, bioanalytical chemistry, HPLC/UV and/or UPLC/UV/MS method development, or drug substance characterization.

50% - Assist with the development, design, and implementation of research to meet customer expectations. Assist with identifying and solving research problems.  Assist with writing research protocols. Conduct research, working as part of a research team in scientific areas consistent with general research areas of the BIO Center and its affiliated researchers. Activities include operating instrumentation per protocols and SOP’s (LCMS/MS, HPLC, UPLC), monitor output, and perform analysis of data. Conducts research, working as part of a research team and performs research related activities. Interacts with other researchers and collaborates on lab techniques, study methodology, and suggests new techniques. 

25% - Assist with the data analysis for customers. Monitor the integrity of data collection and appropriate use of protocols, Standard Operating Procedures. Update documentation and analytical methodology used in support of formulations.  Provide technical and/or research related support for performing a broad range of laboratory and/or research related tasks. Assist with the identification of problems, recommend, and implement potential solutions. Coordinate data collection and screening to verify data. Acquires and performs analysis of data.

15% - Actively participate in the activities of the BIO Center including, but not limited to, participation in scientific seminars, participation in group meetings and relevant seminars, reporting progress for the benefit of reports, collaborating with Center scientists. Coordinates with others to refine or adapt methodologies to fit research requirements.

10% - Conduct literature searches and research activities independently in labs. Assist with preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication and assistance in compiling data for filing patents and seminars including maintenance of detailed records of research and findings. All relevant data must be recorded in a laboratory notebook following a standard style utilized by the laboratory.

Research Assistant Senior
The ideal candidate will perform independent research associated with developing assays for drugs and their metabolites for pharmacokinetic analysis using LCMS/MS. The candidate must have extensive experience with analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, bioanalytical chemistry, HPLC/UV and UPLC/MS method development, and drug substance characterization.  Experience with Empower software used on Waters instrumentation is preferred. The candidate is responsible for developing bioanalytical methods for experimental drugs and metabolites using mass spectrometry. The candidate will also perform assay development and validation, and physical/chemical characterization of drug candidates using HPLC/UV methodology.  The candidate will serve as an expert in the specialized research areas LCMS and HPLC. 

Job Duties:
50% Lead the development, design, and implementation of research plans to meet customer expectations.  Identify and solve complex research problems.  Write and review research protocols. Conduct research, working as part of a research team in scientific areas consistent with general research areas of the BIO Center and its affiliated researchers. Activities include operating skilled instrumentation per protocols and SOP’s (LCMS/MS, HPLC, UPLC), monitor output, and perform analysis of data. Conducts research, working as part of a research team and performs research related activities. Interacts with other researchers and collaborates on lab techniques, study methodology, and suggests new techniques.  

25% Oversee the completion of data analysis and research reports for customers. Monitor the integrity of data collection and appropriate use of protocols, Standard Operating Procedures. Troubleshoot instrumentation maintenance and general repairs. Update documentation and analytical methodology used in support of formulations.  Provide senior-level technical and/or research related support for performing a broad range of complex laboratory and/or research related tasks. Train other researchers in equipment use, study methodology, and data collection techniques. Identify problems, recommend and implement solutions. Coordinate data collection and screening to verify data. Acquire and perform analysis of data. 

15% Actively participate in the activities of the BIO Center including, but not limited to, participation in scientific seminars, participation in group meetings and relevant seminars, reporting progress for the benefit of reports, collaborating with Center scientists and presentation of scholarly work in appropriate local, regional, and national settings. Direct and coordinate with others to refine or adapt methodologies to fit research requirements.

10% Conduct literature searches and research activities independently in labs. Preparation of scientific manuscripts for publication and assistance in compiling data for filing patents and seminars including maintenance of detailed records of research and findings. All relevant data must be recorded in a laboratory notebook following a standard style utilized by the laboratory.

Required Qualifications

For the Assistant Researcher Level: 

Preferred Qualifications

For Assistant Researcher Level: 

Contact Information to Applicants

Lanaea Heine, [email protected], 785-864-5141

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes an online application, cover letter, resume highlighting pertinent experience relative to the required and preferred qualifications and contact information for three professional references.

Only complete applications will be considered.

Application review begins on October 6, 2023 and will continue until a successful candidate has been identified.  

Advertised Salary Range

38,000 - 45,000 commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins

06-Oct-2023

Anticipated Start Date

01-Nov-2023

Primary Campus

University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

Employee Class

U-Unclassified Professional Staff

Work Schedule

Standard hours: M-F, 8 am – 5 pm

Conditions of Employment

Contingent on Funding

Work Location Assignment

On-Site

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and are the Title IX coordinators for their respective campuses: Director of the Office of Civil Rights & Title IX, [email protected], Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY (for the Lawrence, Edwards, Parsons, Yoder, and Topeka campuses); Director, Equal Opportunity Office, Mail Stop 7004, 4330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Fairway, KS 66205, 913-588-8011, 711 TTY (for the Wichita, Salina, and Kansas City, Kansas medical center campuses).