Research Assistant, Biological and Biomedical Systems, UMKC School of Science and Engineering

University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Science and Engineering

Department of Biological and Biomedical Systems

Dr. Spletter's Lab

Genetics and Muscle Development

https://sse.umkc.edu/profiles/spletter-maria.html

UMKC is rated R1 by the Carnegie Research Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.

A Research Assistant position in genetics and muscle development.

Animals have many different types of muscles that differ in their morphologies and contractile abilities. During development, muscle cells regulate gene expression and alternative splicing to fine-tune their contractile ability, and defects in this process lead to muscle disease. My lab is interested in understanding how RNA binding proteins, which regulate RNA processing, contribute to muscle-type specific development and function. We investigate this question in the powerful genetic model organism Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly, which shares muscle structural components as well as the mechanism of contraction with vertebrate muscle. We employ a variety of techniques, including classic genetics, live imaging, confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry, bioinformatics, mRNA-Seq, mass spectrometry, molecular biology and protein biochemistry.

Seeking a Research Assistant who is excited to investigate muscle development and RNA regulation, who is interested in gaining experience with diverse laboratory techniques, and who is organized, reliable and works well on a team. The successful candidate will execute an independent research project within the interests of the lab, in addition to working with other team members and supporting lab operations.

Duties and responsibilities of the Research Assistant may include any of the following:

• Learning, implementing, documenting, and teaching new techniques.
• Assisting laboratory personnel (technicians, postdocs, and graduate students) with experiments.
• Performance of standard molecular and biochemical techniques including PCR, Western blotting, cloning, immunohistochemistry, sample dissection, confocal microscopy, sequencing.
• Performing independent research once proficiency is demonstrated.
• Documenting all experiments.
• Interpreting and analyzing the results of experiments.
• Planning the next set of experiments in consultation with the supervisor.
• Presenting and discussing experiments with supervisor and entire laboratory.
• Laboratory maintenance including dishwashing, autoclaving, general lab maintenance, ordering, fly stock maintenance, fly food preparation, buffer preparation, and laboratory organization.
• Other tasks as directed by the supervisor

The successful candidate is expected to have a bachelor's or master's degree in biology, biochemistry, genetics or a similar field.

• They will have experience with molecular cloning, Drosophila husbandry, protein biochemistry, muscle dissection and isolation, bioinformatics, confocal microscopy and live imaging.
• Image analysis experience with CellProfiler, ImageJ, Python, R, and Spectronaut is beneficial.
• Candidates are expected to have solid organization and communication skills, a strong work ethic, and scientific writing experience.

Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual's particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.

As a UMKC Research Assistant you have the opportunity to expand on your education using the remarkable tuition discount for employees.

Application materials must be submitted online at: https://www.umkc.edu/hr/careers/ Please submit a single PDF including a cover letter detailing your motivation and previous experience together with a CV that lists contact information for three references.

Please direct all inquiries to Dr. Maria Spletter (maria.spletter@umkc.edu), School of Science and Engineering, Department of Biological and Biomedical Systems, University of Missouri-Kansas City.

If you are experiencing technical problems, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.

Handling of Application Materials

After initial review by the committee all uploaded materials may be shared with all faculty in the prospective home department. For affiliations and joint appointments materials may be shared with all faculty in all departments involved.

Applications will be considered as received, and the position will remain open until filled.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

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, 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 Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.