About This Role

The Integrated Genomics Facility (https://www.k-state.edu/igenomics/) in the Department of Plant Pathology is searching for a Research Assistant with experience in molecular and cellular biology techniques. The successful candidate will operate the flow cytometry and flow sorting cutting edge equipment, assist researchers working in the field of cell biology and genomics, support ongoing research projects as needed, provide other services to facility clients using modern genomic technologies, conduct literature search to identify most optimal approaches for experimental procedures, ensure that all research data pass quality control and submitted for analysis.

Duties / Responsibilities:
Cell cytometry and cell sorting service: Operate the cell cytometry and cell sorting equipment; use the equipment software for the cell cytometry/ sorting experiments; help IGF’s customers with the equipment usage; perform proper equipment start-up, shut-down, and calibration; perform equipment maintenance as scheduled. May include graduate student training.

DNA sequencing service: Includes next and third generation sequencing library preparation, quality control, and quantification, sequencing run set up and data quality assessment.

Other duties as assigned: Which include but not limited to DNA and RNA quantification and quality assessment, DNA fragmentation, targeted DNA size selection, quantitative Real Time PCR. Provide assistance to first time users of Genomics Facility equipment and software. Maintain records of experiments conducted. SOP preparation and necessary updates. Place orders for chemicals and other laboratory supplies as needed to maintain stocks and conduct planned experiments.

Training Workshops: Provide assistance with organization and teaching of training workshops sponsored by the genomic facility. Assist with development of training material for the workshops.

About Us

The Department of Plant Pathology at Kansas State University comprises a large and diverse 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. Additional information can be found at http://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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics or related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics or related field.
• Prior experience in cell flow cytometry and/or cell flow sorting.
• Prior experience in DNA sequencing, next and third generation sequencing, Real Time PCR.
• One year of laboratory experience in genomics, cell or molecular biology.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize work and react rapidly to changes in direction.
• Computer skills including word, excel, PowerPoint.

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
• Resume
• Contact information for three current professional references

Application Window

Applications close on September 8, 2025

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$39,500-$53,000 ($18.99-$24.48 hourly)