Research Assistant – Internal Medicine (Endocrinology)

Department:

SOM KC Internal Medicine - Endocrinology, Metabolism & Genetics

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Medicine-Endocrine Metabolic Gene

Position Title:

Research Assistant – Internal Medicine (Endocrinology)

Job Family Group:

Professional Staff

Job Description Summary:

The Research Assistant in Dr. Medina-Meza’s lab (Division of Endocrinology) will support interdisciplinary research in analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, and biomedical science. Responsibilities include assisting with experimental workflows in lipidomics and metabolomics, and independently processing and analyzing biological samples (tissues, cells, biofluids, and food). This role contributes to the lab’s mission to investigate molecular mechanisms of metabolic and endocrine function in a collaborative academic environment.

Job Description:

Job Duties Outlined:

• Conduct biochemical and analytical experiments to generate data for lipidomics and metabolomic research.

• Prepare and extract biological samples (e.g., plasma, tissues, cell cultures) for analysis using established protocols.

• Operate, monitor, and maintain mass spectrometry systems (e.g., LC-MS/MS, GC-MS) and associated chromatography instruments.

• Perform quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), including the use of internal standards, replicates, and instrument performance checks; assist in troubleshooting and vendor coordination.

• Acquire and process analytical data using specialized lipidomics software (e.g., Lipid Search, Skyline, XCMS).

• Maintain accurate laboratory records including sample tracking, QC logs, and experimental documentation.

• Review protocols, scientific literature, and standard operating procedures (SOPs); assist in the development and adaptation of SOPs.

• Support collaborative studies with other research laboratories within KUMC and external partners.

• Perform general laboratory duties, including inventory management, reagent preparation, biobanking, and sample shipments.

• Ensure compliance with institutional safety, chemical handling, and biosafety regulations.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline. Education may be substituted for experience for the degree on a year for year basis.

Work Experience:

• 1 year of experience in a laboratory environment; lipidomics, metabolomics, or analytical chemistry experience preferred.

•  Experience with lipid classes and metabolic pathways.

Preferred Qualifications

Work Experience

• Experience with data analysis platforms and software for omics data (e.g., MetaboAnalyst, LipidMaps, R).

• Experience working in a core facility or service-oriented lab environment.

• Experience working with rodents.

• Laboratory experience in basic cell and molecular biology methods, which includes but not limited to DNA/RNA manipulation, PCR, qPCR, ELISA, immunodetection (IHC/IF/western blotting).

Skills

• Organizational and communication skills

• Computer skills

Required Documents

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

Comprehensive Benefits Package:

Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available.