- Manhattan, Kansas, United States
- Diagnostic Medicne Pathobiolog
- Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
- Closing at: Aug 21 2026 - 23:55 CDT
The purpose of this position is to support research activities in the laboratory under Objective 3 of a USDA-APHIS New World Screwworm Grand Challenge project. The Research Assistant will maintain insect colonies and cultures, perform molecular assays (DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, and library preparation), process and document samples, manage laboratory supplies, and help train and support students.
This position is On-site.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Requires a bachelor's degree. Education beyond the minimum degree requirement may count toward required experience if deemed relevant by the hiring manager. The degree requirement ensures candidates possess the advanced theoretical knowledge, highly specialized methodologies, and critical problem-solving skills fundamental to this work. These competencies are typically developed and rigorously validated only through the comprehensive curriculum and intensive experiential experience inherent in a formal degree program.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, entomology, or closely related fields
- One year of research laboratory experience.
- Master’s degree in biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or closely related fields
- Prior experience with molecular techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, library preparation)
- Experience with microbial culture or insect rearing
- Familiarity with sequencing or basic data analysis
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Familiarity with bioinformatic analysis
Additional Role Information:
- Ability to work in a BSL-2 laboratory environment
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Applications close on: August 21, 2026
$39,227 - $66,667
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
- Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
