Life Sciences Center

Dr. Paul de Figueiredo's lab is actively seeking a Research Specialist II to join our dynamic team. As a Research Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in advancing our scientific investigations, with a primary focus on experiments related to microbiology and cancer research.

Job Duties:

1. Laboratory Protocols and Safety:
   • Follow established laboratory protocols and safety guidelines rigorously.
   • Ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
2. Record Keeping and Data Management:
   • Maintain detailed and organized laboratory notebooks.
   • Manage data accurately.
3. Collaboration and Training:
   • Work effectively with lab members.
   • Provide assistance and training to fellow researchers as needed.
4. Laboratory Techniques:
   • Prepare reagents for experiments.
   • Perform molecular biology techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, Rt-PCR, and gel electrophoresis.
   • Cultivate bacterial cultures.
   • Conduct quantitative PCR, cell culture, protein studies, and animal experiments related to microbiology and cancer research.
5. Experiment Planning and Execution:
   • Contribute to the planning and execution of experiments.
   • Collaborate with the research team to achieve project goals.

8 am-5 pm M-F and some evening and weekend hours may be required.

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

Previous Research Experience:
Organizational and Time Management Skills
Experience with Mac platform and Microsoft Office

Salary Range: $18.50- $21.00 per hour

Grade: GGS 008

University title: Research Specialist II

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

CV, Cover letter, application

Successful candidates will be persuasive communicators with exceptional organizational and time management skills. They must demonstrate the following durable skills: leadership, character, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking, metacognition, mindfulness, growth mindset, and fortitude. Additionally, customer service, confidentiality, integrity, and a commitment to the university values.

Must be available for reliable and consistent onsite work.

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

Values Commitment

We value the uniqueness of every individual and strive to ensure each person's success. Contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives promote intellectual pluralism and enable us to achieve the excellence that we seek in learning, research and engagement. This commitment makes our university a better place to work, learn and innovate.

In your application materials, please discuss your experiences and expertise that support these values and enrich our missions of teaching, research, and engagement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit or call the Director of Employee and Labor Relations at 573-882-2146.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.