Research Assistant

The Division of Biology is seeking a Research Assistant for the Dr. Rice Lab to manage laboratory operations and conduct independent research. The lab focuses on questions related to the evolution of development.

  • 521250
  • Manhattan, Kansas, United States
  • Biology
  • Staff Full Time (Unclassified - Term)
  • Closing at: Mar 27 2026 - 23:55 CDT
  • On-site
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About This Role

The Research Assistant position manage the laboratory and perform independent research. The lab is focused on questions regarding the evolution of development: how do developmental processes change to derive evolutionary differences between species? The position will involve maintenance of Drosophila stocks, ordering supplies, molecular biology work, and offers opportunities to perform an independent research project.

The Rice Lab in the Division of Biology seeks a research assistant to manage the laboratory. The lab is focused on questions regarding the evolution of development: how do developmental processes change to derive evolutionary differences between and within species? The position will involve preparation of media, maintenance of Drosophila stocks, ordering supplies, molecular biology work (such as PCR, making specific vectors, and generating transgenic Drosophila), and offers opportunities to perform an independent research project.

About Us

The Division of Biology at Kansas State University is composed of a dynamic group of tenure-track, research, and instructional faculty, as well as a large number of postdoctoral research associates, graduate students, and support staff. All of these individuals are essential to accomplish the Division of Biology’s mission, to generate and disseminate high-quality biological scientific knowledge through teaching, research, service, and outreach. The research, teaching, and service interests of these individuals, spanning all areas of biological research, teaching and training at the postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate levels, as well as service and outreach contributions to the broader scientific community and the public.

Worksite Description

This position is On-site. The Research Assistant position manage the laboratory and perform independent research. The lab is focused on questions regarding the evolution of development: how do developmental processes change to derive evolutionary differences between species? The position will involve maintenance of Drosophila stocks, ordering supplies, molecular biology work, and offers opportunities to perform an independent research project.

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.

What You'll Need to Succeed

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:

  • Master’s degree, and laboratory experience with Drosophila and Developmental Evolution

Sponsorship eligibility:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship

How to Apply

Please submit the following documents:

  1. Online application
  2. Three letters of references
  3. CV

Application Window

Applications close on: March 27, 2026

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

$ 18.86 - $ 32.05 hourly

 

 

Why Join Us:

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.

Work Authorization: 

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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.

Remote and Hybrid work options:

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.

Relocation to Kansas: 

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. 

Background Screening Statement:

Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.

Interview Preferences:

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.