Assistant Researcher

University of Kansas
United States, Kansas, Lawrence
1450 Jayhawk Boulevard (Show on map)
Feb 18, 2026
Position Overview The Walters Lab (https://walterslab.ku.edu/) is seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented biologist to join our research program investigating aging and reproductive biology in lepidopteran insects (moths and butterflies), which is part of a larger research consortium studying aging across animals (https://www.iisage.org/). This position will be directly supervised by PI Walters, with the primary responsibility being to provide technical support to PI Walters and other senior lab members in pursuit of our research agenda. Such research support responsibilities include 1) rearing and maintenance of insect stocks under various experimental conditions, 2) dissecting and collecting tissues for genomic analysis, and 3) performing a range of molecular biology protocols to generate relevant samples and data (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, DNA damage assays). Further tasks and responsibilities may include performing cytogenetic, microscopy, or transgenic experiments, bioinformatic data analysis, ordering supplies/reagents, updating/maintaining protocol documentation and public websites, organizing the lab environment, and participation in developing and deploying content for public science outreach/education. Job Description 30% - Insect rearing and culture propagation Transfer and handling of live insects (primarily moths and butterflies) preparing insect diet collecting insect eggs from cultures washing of dishes and insect cages caretaking of insect host plants (planting, watering, trimming), 30% - Organizing and managing aging & mating experiments with insects Implementing experimental protocols for aging and mating experiments with insects Dissection, tissue collection, and sample preparation Record keeping, data entry and basic analysis 20% - Performing molecular biology & microscopy protocols Extracting nucleic acids PCR & gel electrophoresis Preparation of samples on slides 10% - Maintaining lab resources and environment Ordering research supplies and reagents Writing and revising protocols and operating procedures Updating the lab website and wiki 10% - Supporting other research and outreach activities ongoing the lab Perform statistical and bioinformatic data analyses Develop and present content for community scientific outreach Required Qualifications High school diploma/GED and four years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree Biology, Entomology, Genetics, or a related field Preferred Qualifications Experience rearing insects and maintaining insect cultures in a research setting. Experience performing wet-lab molecular biology procedures (e.g. nucleic acid extraction, gel electrophoresis). Knowledge of computer programming and bioinformatic methodologies relating to genomics, particularly using Linux, R, and/or python. Additional Candidate Instructions A complete application consists of: online application form resume or CV cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications list of three professional references Application review begins Monday, March 2, 2026. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to this date. Contact Information to Applicants James Walters, jrwalters@ku.edu, 785-864-4361 Advertised Salary Range 42,000-46,000 Application Review Begins Monday March 2, 2026 Anticipated Start Date Monday March 23, 2026