Research Specialist I - Lymphatic Physiology

Medical Pharmacology/Physiology

The Research Specialist I provides technical and operational support to ensure the successful execution of federally funded research projects and compliance with all applicable regulations. This position is essential to the delivery of critical research services and directly supports the aims of ongoing NIH R01-funded studies. The incumbent will perform a wide range of experimental, analytical, and maintenance duties within a laboratory setting focused on lymphatic physiology and molecular biology.

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Key Responsibilities

Experimental & Technical Duties

• Assist in the preparation, cleaning, and autoclaving of labware.
• Prepare physiological solutions and Aliquot, prepare, and handle pharmacological reagents and experimental compounds.
• Perform mechanical testing on freshly isolated lymphatic muscle cells
• Work with deformable membranes to assess stretch activation of lymphatic muscle cells
• Dissect lymphatic micro-vessels and perform isobaric mouse lymphatic collecting vessel myography and confocal imaging of genetically encoded calcium sensors in lymphatic muscle cells.
• Conduct immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and analyze contractile and imaging data.

Colony & Biological Maintenance

• Assist in the maintenance of the mouse colony, including genotyping, breeding strategies, and weaning.
• Support the lab manager with gel electrophoresis and PCR procedures as needed.

Laboratory Operations & Organization

• Clean and organize laboratory work areas; maintain and operate scientific equipment.
• Be capable of designing 3D designs and 3D printing to modify our experimental apparatus.
• Monitor and order laboratory supplies to ensure uninterrupted research operations.
• Perform routine biochemical, molecular, and cell biology techniques, including mammalian cell culture, cell-based assays, and flow cytometry, following established protocols.
• Analyze and graph experimental data using Microsoft Excel and GraphPad Prism.

Research Support & Growth

• Contribute to the preparation of data for publications, presentations, and reports.
• Demonstrate initiative in expanding technical expertise and taking on new experimental techniques.
• Advancement potential based on demonstrated ability to increase involvement and technical capabilities in ongoing and future lab projects.

Monday – Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience and at least 1 year of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Minimum of Bachelors degree in STEM field

Salary Range: $17.05 - $24.93 Hourly

Grade: GGS-007

University Title: RESEARCH SPECIALIST I

Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

In addition to the Online Application, please provide a Resume and Cover Letter.

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.