Research Scientist

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Position Description:

The Pediatric Research Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of Louisville School of Medicine, is seeking a highly motivated Research Scientist to contribute to research projects supported by the Kentucky Pediatric Cancer Research Trust Fund. These projects focus on investigating the genetic and transcriptomic mechanisms underlying neuroinflammatory diseases, including pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumors.

The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting a variety of molecular biology and translational research activities, including RNA, DNA, and protein isolation from human and murine tissues; quality control assessment; sequencing library preparation; in situ hybridization (ISH)-based assays, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and related spatial transcriptomic techniques; qPCR primer design and validation; data analysis and interpretation; and preparation of progress reports and scientific presentations. The individual will be expected to maintain the highest standards of research integrity, rigor, and reproducibility.

In partnership with the PI, the successful candidate will assist in overseeing daily laboratory operations and bench-side research activities. Responsibilities will include maintaining accurate research records, managing laboratory inventories and supply procurement, organizing and consolidating experimental data, and preparing research reports. Strong laboratory management and organizational skills are essential.

The position requires strict adherence to institutional and laboratory safety policies and procedures, including those governing the handling of hazardous materials, biological specimens, and specialized research equipment.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular biology and translational research experiments supporting studies of neuroinflammatory diseases and pediatric CNS tumors.
• Perform RNA, DNA, and protein isolation; quality control assessments; sequencing library preparation; and ISH/FISH-based assays.
• Design and validate qPCR assays and assist with experimental protocol optimization.
• Analyze, organize, and maintain experimental data and prepare research reports and presentations.
• Assist the Principal Investigator with grant preparation, renewal, and submission activities.
• Train and mentor students, fellows, technicians, and visiting scholars in laboratory methods and research best practices.
• Assist in coordinating daily laboratory operations, including recordkeeping, supply management, and equipment maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory safety requirements and uphold standards of research integrity and rigor.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Cancer Biology, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, library preparation, and transcriptomic data generation.
• Proficiency in molecular biology techniques, including nucleic acid and protein isolation, qPCR, and ISH/FISH-based assays.
• Experience working with human and/or animal tissue samples in a research laboratory setting.
• Experience mentoring students, trainees, or laboratory personnel.
• Strong organizational, communication, and laboratory management skills.
• Experience with grant-related activities, including preparation of preliminary data and scientific reports, is desirable.

Competencies

• Strong scientific reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to design, execute, and troubleshoot research experiments.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data quality, accuracy, and reproducibility.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including scientific presentation and reporting.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment.
• Demonstrated leadership, mentoring, and team-building abilities.
• Commitment to research integrity, professionalism, and ethical scientific conduct.
• Knowledge of laboratory safety practices and regulatory compliance requirements.

Please note that any selected candidate's hire date may be effective no earlier than January 5, 2027

Target Compensation Maximum:

Target Compensation Minimum:

Compensation will be commensurate to candidate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.

Consistent with applicable law, demographic information is collected for aggregate reporting requirements. Demographic information provided through this application is not available to hiring managers/committees and is not considered in hiring or employment decisions.

Assistance and Accommodations

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 2315 South First Street Walk, Room 02C - Louisville, Kentucky 40292.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at 

employment@louisville.edu