Research Specialist I

NextGen Precision Health

Join the Lei Laboratory

The Lei Laboratory at the University of Missouri is seeking a motivated, dependable, and detail-oriented Research Specialist I to join its research team at NextGen Precision Health in Columbia, Missouri. This hands-on position provides essential technical support for ongoing laboratory research and helps sustain consistent, high-quality laboratory operations.
The Research Specialist will work closely with Dr. Lei and other laboratory members in a collaborative environment supporting faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers, and other research personnel.

What You Will Do
* Molecular and laboratory techniques: Perform PCR testing, gel electrophoresis, tissue collection and processing, cell culture, and other routine laboratory procedures.
* Mouse colony management: Support daily colony care and monitoring, including breeding, weaning, health checks, genotyping, animal identification, and accurate colony records.
* Research support: Assist scientists and students with experimental procedures, data collection, routine laboratory techniques, and troubleshooting under appropriate guidance.
* Laboratory operations: Prepare reagents; maintain supplies and equipment; assist with inventory control, ordering, and stocking; and help maintain an organized and efficient laboratory.
* Documentation: Maintain complete and accurate records of experimental procedures, results, animal colonies, and routine laboratory activities.
* Safety and compliance: Follow applicable animal-care, IACUC, laboratory-safety, training, and ethical-research requirements.
* Collaboration: Participate in laboratory meetings and training and communicate effectively with faculty, students, postdoctoral researchers, and other laboratory personnel.

Why This Position Matters
This position is necessary to maintain continuity of laboratory operations and directly supports the University's research and educational missions. The employee will provide essential technical research support, including PCR testing, gel electrophoresis, tissue collection and cell culture, mouse colony maintenance, recordkeeping, and laboratory and equipment maintenance.
These functions allow faculty and other research personnel to focus their specialized expertise on experimental design, data analysis, scholarship, and research training. If the position is not filled, ongoing responsibilities would have to be redistributed to faculty and existing laboratory personnel, potentially delaying experimental work and data collection, reducing research capacity, and diverting specialized personnel from higher-level research and educational activities.
Mouse colony care and routine laboratory maintenance are continuing responsibilities that cannot simply be deferred. Filling this position supports the effective and responsible continuation of the University's research enterprise and the research environment serving faculty, students, and other laboratory personnel.

Work Environment and Schedule

This is an onsite, hands-on laboratory position located at NextGen Precision Health in Columbia, Missouri. The role requires regular work with laboratory materials, research equipment, cell culture, biological specimens, and laboratory mice. Work schedules will be established based on laboratory and research needs, including the continuing care requirements of the mouse colony.

Monday - Friday, 8 am to 5 pm and as needed to accomplish research duties

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

* A bachelor's degree in biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, animal science, biomedical science, or a closely related field.
* Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, tissue collection or processing, cell culture, microscopy, or related molecular and cellular biology techniques.
* Experience handling laboratory mice and supporting mouse colony operations, including breeding, weaning, genotyping, health monitoring, animal identification, or colony recordkeeping.
* Experience working in an academic, biomedical, or life-sciences research laboratory.
* Knowledge of animal-care, IACUC, biosafety, and general laboratory-safety expectations.
* Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate, organized laboratory records and follow established protocols.
* Strong attention to detail, organization, reliability, communication, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Salary Range: $19 - $21 hourly

Grade: GGS-7

University Title: Research Specialist I

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

Applicants should submit the materials required in the University's official posting. A resume or curriculum vitae and a brief cover letter describing relevant laboratory experience are encouraged.

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

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/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

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.