Research Specialist I, Ophthalmology One-Health One-Medicine Research Laboratory

Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery

The College of Veterinary Medicine at MU is on a mission to inclusively educate and train outstanding clinicians and scientists from diverse backgrounds, generate new knowledge, engage stakeholders, and foster economic growth, all of which promote and protect the health and welfare of animals and people. Simply put, our mission is to Teach, Heal, Discover and Serve.

We are seeking candidates for an open Research Specialist I position in the Ophthalmology One-Health One-Medicine Research Laboratory. The lab primarily focuses on developing tissue-targeted selective gene therapy approaches for preventing / treating corneal disorders, diseases, and dystrophies, and studying the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in corneal wound healing.

Typical responsibilities for the position include:

• Assist PI and senior lab member in animal handling and experimentation
• Assist lab in cell culture experiments and isolating and maintaining primary corneal cultures.
• Perform corneal cryopreservation and cryosection, histology, and fluorescence microscopy
• Conduct RNA isolation, cDNA prep, and qRT-PCR following our standard operating protocols with good laboratory practices.
• Properly maintain research record and documents,
• Other duties as assigned.

The Department of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery is dedicated to developing and disseminating knowledge to improve the health and well-being of animals and people through instruction, innovative research, service, and leadership. The department is home to the college's Veterinary Health Center where our faculty provide clinical care, teach, and develop innovative treatments and therapies.

This is a full-time, 40 hour per week position. Typical hours are Monday through Friday: 8a to 5p. Some evening, weekend, or holiday hours may be required based on current experiment and study needs.

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.

• Prior work in a research lab setting is preferred.
• Previous experience in cornea / eye research is highly desirable.

Salary Range: $16.72 - $20.91 per hour
Grade: GGS-007
University Title: Research Specialist I
Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

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.

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

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