The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) appreciates your interest in employment. We ask that you keep in mind the following when completing your application:  

• Once you start the application process you cannot save your work. Please ensure you have all required attachment(s) available to complete your application before you begin the process.  
• Required attachments are listed below on the posting. Your application will not be considered without the required attachments.  
• Please note that applications must be submitted prior to the close of the recruitment.

Once a recruitment has closed, applications will no longer be accepted.  If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or [email protected].

Job Description

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications for Staff Scientist, Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences [R0134284]

ROLE of the POSITION

The Pam Quirk Brain Health and Biomarker Laboratory (TBDL) in the Department of Brain Health at the University of Nevada Las Vegas is seeking to immediately hire a highly motivated Staff Scientist. The laboratory serves as a biobank and biomarker discovery resource for our research and numerous clinical collaborators to store, process, and perform biomarker discovery research on human patient specimens. This includes blood samples to be utilized for research, particularly in the search for novel biomarkers in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and traumatic brain injury. The laboratory houses modern equipment such as Quanterix and Luminex platforms, a Sony flow cytometer, and several additional cellular and molecular biology techniques. The lab also utilizes several Shimadzu mass spectrometry instruments for proteomic and metabolomic investigations of both our patient and preclinical model samples. 

This grant funded position will conduct experiments and analyze data that interrogate potential biomarkers for several neurological disorders, in particular AD. The work ranges from genotyping patient samples for genetic risk factors to multiple omic investigations. Additional responsibilities include managing samples and intake into our biobank and LIMS database. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cellular and molecular biology techniques. Previous experience with qRT-PCR, flow cytometry, Luminex/ELISA, Quanterix, mass spectrometry, blood processing, cell culture and/or other cellular and molecular techniques is a plus. 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Perform research and conduct a wide variety of standard laboratory procedures for projects under minimal supervision, independently and in collaboration with others.

• Record and analyze data using SPSS or Rstudio, and interpret results

• Optimize methods and troubleshoot as problems arise 

• Maintain Research Laboratory equipment and supplies for the projects assigned

• Perform molecular biology techniques including RNA isolation for genotyping by qRT-PCR

• Cell line maintenance of primary cell cultures while practicing aseptic technique

• Functional assays on isolated cell cultures

• ELISA or other colorimetric plate-based assays

• Use of brightfield and fluorescent microscopes

• Support mass spectrometry experiments on digested cell types 

• Support flow cytometry and cell sorting experiments

• Order reagents and necessary equipment when needed

• Animal handling may be required to support dissections and processing of tissue for development of primary cell cultures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and candidates must have prior experience working in a lab setting.  Preference will be given for candidates with at least one (1) year of laboratory research experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS include:

• B.Sc. in cell or molecular biology, biochemistry, or related field

• Moderate understanding of nucleic acids and proteins

• Prior hands-on experience with molecular biology techniques and assay development 

• Strong oral and written communication along with detail-oriented data documentation

• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time

• Excellent collaborative and interpersonal skills

• Self-motivated with high level of responsibility to plan and execute research experiments in a timely manner and make significant progress on a research project.

• Desire to learn diverse techniques

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY

The successful candidate will demonstrate support for diversity, equity and inclusiveness as well as participate in maintaining a respectful, positive work environment.

SALARY RANGE

This is a full-time grant funded position, contingent upon funding. Compensation is competitive and will be based on level of experience.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Generous compensation packages, up to 48 days of paid time off, sick leave, and holidays

• Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision

• No state income tax

• Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs

• Tuition discounts at Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) schools

• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS

• Flexible work schedule (depending on your department)

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs

• Personal and professional development opportunities

• UNLV athletics ticket discounts

• Statewide employee purchase program discounts

• RebelCard discounts on and off campus

• Wellness programming for all UNLV faculty and staff at no cost

• Opportunity for career advancements to leadership roles

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Applicants should fully describe their qualifications and experience, with specific reference to each of the minimum and preferred qualifications because this is the information on which the initial review of materials will be based.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin immediately. 

Materials should be addressed to Jefferson Kinney, Search Committee Chair, and must be submitted through Workday, as we do not accept emailed materials. For assistance with the application process, please contact UNLV Human Resources at (702) 895-3504 or [email protected].

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Find Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Find Jobs" in the search box which will navigate to the internal job posting site. Locate this specific job posting by typing the job requisition number, R0134284 in the search box.

If you complete an application outside of the internal application process, your application will be returned and you will have to reapply as an internal applicant which may delay your application.

PROFILE of the UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1957, UNLV is a doctoral-degree-granting institution of approximately 30,000 students and more than 3,600 faculty and staff. To date, UNLV has conferred more than 152,000 degrees, producing more than 130,000 alumni around the world. UNLV is classified by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching as an R1 research university with very high research activity. The university is committed to recruiting and retaining top students and faculty, educating the region's diversifying population and workforce, driving economic activity through increased research and community partnerships, and creating an academic health center for Southern Nevada that includes the launch of a new UNLV School of Medicine. UNLV is located on a 332-acre main campus and two satellite campuses in Southern Nevada.

Here at UNLV, we have come together and created one of the most affirmative and dynamic academic environments in the country. UNLV sits in the top spot in U.S. News & World Report’s annual listing of the nation’s most diverse universities for undergraduates. The university has ranked in the top ten since the rankings debuted more than a decade ago. We continue to show our commitment to serving our wonderfully diverse population and building the future for Las Vegas and Nevada. 

For more information, visit us on line at: http://www.unlv.edu.

EEO/AA STATEMENT

The University of Nevada - Las Vegas (UNLV) is committed to providing a place of work and learning free of discrimination on the basis of a person’s age (40 or older), disability, whether actual or perceived by others (including service-connected disabilities), gender (including pregnancy related conditions), military status or military obligations, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, race (including hair texture and protected hairstyles such as natural hairstyles, afros, bantu knots, curls, braids, locks and twists), color, or religion (protected classes). Discrimination on the basis of a protected class, including unlawful harassment, which is a form of discrimination, is illegal under federal and state law. Where unlawful discrimination is found to have occurred, UNLV will act to stop the unlawful discrimination, to prevent its recurrence, to remedy its effects, and to discipline those responsible. 

TITLE IX STATEMENT

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas, does not discriminate on the basis of sex in any education program or activity that it operates. Non-discrimination on the basis of sex is mandated by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (20 U.S.C. §§ 1681 et seq.) and the corresponding implementation regulations (34 C.F.R. Part 106). The University’s commitment to nondiscrimination in its education programs and activities extends to applicants for admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of these provisions may be referred to: Michelle Sposito, J.D., Title IX Coordinator, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, Box 451062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062, Frank and Estella Beam Hall (BEH) Room 553, Telephone: (702) 895-4055; Email: [email protected], or to The Assistant Secretary of the United States Department of Education, U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20202-1100; Telephone: 1-800-421-3481 FAX: 202-453-6012; TDD: 1-800-877-8339; Email: [email protected]; or to both.  

Information pertaining to the University’s grievance procedures and grievance process, including how to report or file a complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual harassment, and how the University will respond can be found online at the Office of Equal Employment & Title IX webpage.

SAFETY AND SECURITY STATEMENT

UNLV is committed to assisting all members of the UNLV community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report compliance document is available online.

JOB CATEGORY

Administrative Faculty

Exempt

Yes

Full-Time Equivalent

100.0%

Required Attachment(s)

Submit a letter of interest, a detailed resume listing qualifications and experience, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of at least three professional references who may be contacted. References will not be contacted until the search chair notifies you in advance.

Posting Close Date

12/31/2024

Note to Applicant

This position may require that a criminal background check be conducted on the candidate(s) selected for hire.  

HR will attempt to verify academic credentials upon receipt of hiring documents. If the academic credentials cannot be verified,  HR will notify the faculty member that an official transcript of their highest degree must be submitted within thirty days of the faculty member’s first day of employment. 

References will be contacted at the appropriate phase of the recruitment process.  

As part of the hiring process, applicants for positions in the Nevada System of Higher Education may be required to demonstrate the ability to perform job-related tasks.  

For positions that require driving, evidence of a valid driver's license will be required at the time of employment and as a condition of continued employment.  

All document(s) must be received on or before the closing date of the job announcements (if a closing date is provided).

Recruitments that provide a work schedule are subject to change based on organizational needs.