About this role
The University of Pikeville seeks a Research Associate / Laboratory Manager to support an NIH-funded molecular biotechnology research program focused on plant-based production and characterization of recombinant therapeutic proteins.
The successful candidate will conduct molecular biology and plant biotechnology research, assist with recombinant protein expression and analysis, manage daily laboratory operations, and train undergraduate student researchers.
Responsibilities • Conduct molecular biology and biotechnology experiments supporting the NIH R15 project. • Perform cloning, PCR, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture, recombinant DNA procedures, and plant expression. • Maintain plants and process samples for recombinant protein extraction and analysis. • Perform plant transformation, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, protein quantification, and related assays. • Collect, analyze, and document experimental data. • Manage daily laboratory operations, supplies, inventories, purchasing, equipment, reagents, and records. • Maintain SOPs and laboratory safety and compliance documentation. • Train and supervise undergraduate researchers in laboratory techniques, experiments, data collection, and research documentation. • Assist with research reports, presentations, posters, and manuscripts. • Support IBC, biosafety, chemical safety, and waste-disposal requirements • Other duties as assigned.
Education • Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, biomedical science, or a related field. • Master’s or Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, biotechnology, biochemistry, plant biology, biomedical science, or a related field.
Experience • Hands-on laboratory experience in molecular biology or a related discipline. • Experience with basic techniques such as PCR, DNA purification, gel electrophoresis, bacterial culture, or recombinant DNA methods. • Strong organizational, communication, and laboratory-recordkeeping skills. • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty and undergraduate researchers. • Experience with recombinant protein expression, molecular cloning, SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, ELISA, or protein purification. • Experience managing laboratory operations or training undergraduate researchers. • Familiarity with biosafety, IBC, or NIH-funded research environments.
Application review will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received on or before 9/28/2026 will be given priority consideration.
Important Notes: Resume and other application materials will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. Please specifically address the qualifications, competencies, and desired qualifications in your resume and application materials.
The University of Pikeville is committed to providing a safe and productive learning, living, and working community. To achieve this goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check and, when appropriate, a financial and/or motor vehicle history.
The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.
For more information about the University of Pikeville, please visit http://www.upike.edu. In addition to the application, interested applicants are requested to attach to their application a letter of interest, current resume, and contact information for three to five professional references.