Research Assistant

About This Role

The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University is seeking a Research Assistant in the Nouri lab to support research activities focused on plant viruses. This individual will assist with research experiments, growing and maintaining plants in the growth chamber, contribute to the daily operation of the laboratory, and help training and supporting students.

Responsibilities:
• Assisting PI with experiments in the lab. Collecting and analyzing data, running experiments and conducting literature research.
• Growing and maintaining plants in the growth chamber.
• Contribute to the daily operation of the laboratory.
• Collaborate effectively with team members and assist in training students as needed.

About Us

The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University comprises a large and varying group of scientists with excellent reputations in research, teaching, and extension. Our strengths are in applied plant pathology, microbiology, biosecurity, disease diagnosis, management, host-parasite resistance genetics, pathogen and microbe genetics and genomics, genomics and biotechnology. To learn more, https://www.plantpath.k-state.edu/.

Kansas State University is located in Manhattan, KS, in the scenic tallgrass prairies of the Flint Hills of NE Kansas. Manhattan is 125 miles west of Kansas City and 50 miles west of Topeka. Kansas State University is the nation’s first land-grant institution and currently enrolls ~24,000 students. Check the local Convention & Visitors Bureau website (http://www.manhattancvb.org/) for more information.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site. Position is located on the Manhattan campus.

All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Requires a bachelor's degree.
  
  Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, highly specialized methodologies, and critical problem-solving skills fundamental to this work. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential experience inherent in a formal degree program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in plant pathology, biology, microbiology or closely related fields.
• Two years of lab experience.
• Prior experience with molecular biology techniques such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, gene cloning.
• Previous experience with plants is desirable.
• Demonstrated organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to collaborate in a team environment.

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

• Cover letter describing relevant experience, research interests, and career goals.
• Current curriculum vitae (CV).
• Names, phone number and email for two professional references.

Application Window

Applications close on: June 1, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$20.00 - $23.00 ($41,600 - $47,840)