Senior Scientist - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Department:
SOM KC Biochemistry

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Research Staff
Position Title:
Senior Scientist - Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Job Family Group:
Professional Staff
Job Description Summary:
The Senior Scientist for the lab of Bret Freudenthal, PhD will work to study DNA damage as it relates to mechanisms of DNA repair, replication, genome stability, telomere biology, and ribonucleotides. The Senior Scientist will work as part of a research group, encompassing undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level scientists, employing multiple cellular, molecular biology, structural, and biochemical approaches focusing on determining how genome and telomere stability is maintained. In addition, they will assist in ongoing collaborations working on protein purification and associated structural and biochemical assays.
This position is responsible for designing and conducting hands-on experiments then preparing, interpreting, analyzing, and compiling data into written articles for publication, manuscripts and for oral presentations.
Job Description:

Job Duties Outlined

• Work with PI and supervisor to design, perform, prioritize research projects and interpret results to propose future research or next steps.

• Design and conduct hands-on experiments utilizing cell lines, isolated DNA, recombinant DNA, and recombinant proteins.

• Conduct experiments utilizing different human cell lines.

• Conduct experiments purifying and characterizing recombinant proteins from bacteria for both the Freudenthal lab and ongoing collaborations.

• Manage daily lab needs such as supplies, organization, equipment upkeep, and safety requirements.

• Prepare, interpret, analyze, and compile data into written articles for publication, manuscripts, grants, and for oral presentations.

• Supervise, mentor and train research personnel in the project and within the Barnes laboratory, including graduate students, technicians, and/or summer students.

• Apply for available funding mechanisms such as NIH R21 and R01.

• Attend all orientation and training sessions designated by the University and Department, attend departmental seminars and attend regular lab meetings.

• Provide laboratory training for new students and fellows in the lab.

• Participate in various research projects under the guidance of the faculty supervisor, record and interpret the results of their experiments in a laboratory notebook.

• Develop and maintain lab guidelines for specific studies as directed by lab supervisor; discuss experimental design and interpretation of results.

• Order supplies and negotiate prices on lab consumables. Follow established quality control and quality assurance policies and procedures, including appropriate documentation.

• Serve as lab safety person as needed. Dispose of biohazardous materials, chemical waste, sharps and other potentially hazardous materials according to policy, and strictly adheres to safety and biosafety control procedures.

• Calibrate, maintain, and operate equipment by keeping appropriate documentation. Report malfunctions to supervisor. Maintain adequate inventory of lab kits and reagents.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

Education: PhD in molecular biology/biochemistry or related field OR Master’s degree with 5 years applicable experience.

This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position.  The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.

Work Experience:

• Hands-on experience with common laboratory techniques, such as cell culture, transfection, immunoblotting, etc).

Preferred Qualifications

Work Experience:

• Experience with typical molecular and cellular biology lab procedures.

• Experience handling radioisotopes, including safe use and application of P32-labeled probes in laboratory research settings.

• Experience working under biosafety protocols for lentiviral vectors and other biohazardous materials, ensuring compliance with institutional and regulatory standards.

Skills

• Communication.

• Presentation skills.

• Interpersonal skills.

• Organization.

• Lab management skills.

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html

Employee Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Rate Type:
Salary

Compensation Statement:

The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above. 

Pay Range:
$70,200.00 - $105,300.00

Minimum

$70,200.00

Midpoint

$87,700.00

Maximum

$105,300.00