Research Associate

Research Associate

Job Title - Research Associate

Work Location - Lexington, KY

Grade Level - 44

Salary Range - $44,678-71,469/year

Type of Position - Staff

Position Time Status - Full-Time

Required Education - PhD

Required Related Experience - No experience required.

Required License/Registration/Certification - None

Physical Requirements - Required routine handling of light-weight objects up to 10 pounds, or some standing or walking for extended period

Shift - Monday-Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm with some evenings and weekends as needed.

Job Summary - The Chattopadhyay Laboratory in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to join our NIH-funded research program investigating antiviral innate immunity and inflammatory signaling. Our laboratory studies how interferon regulatory factors (IRFs), interferon-stimulated genes, and cellular signaling pathways regulate host responses to viral infection and inflammation. The successful candidate will lead and contribute to research projects using molecular and cell biology, biochemistry, cell culture, viral infection models, and mouse models. Opportunities are available to develop new research directions, publish first-author manuscripts, present findings at scientific meetings, and contribute to grant development. The position is particularly well suited for a PhD scientist seeking advanced research experience and preparation for an independent academic or biomedical research career. Candidates with experience in cell culture and molecular/biochemical techniques are strongly encouraged to apply. Experience in virology, innate immunity, immunology, or animal models is desirable but not required.

Skills / Knowledge / Abilities - Mammalian cell culture; molecular and biochemical techniques; experimental design and data analysis; scientific record keeping; proficiency with standard data-analysis and presentation software. Experience with viral infection models, immunoblotting, qRT-PCR, microscopy, or animal models is preferred.

Preferred Education/Experience - PhD in virology, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, biochemistry, or a related biomedical discipline. Strong experience in mammalian cell culture and molecular or biochemical techniques is preferred. Experience in virology, innate immunity, inflammatory signaling, microscopy, or animal models is desirable. Candidates should demonstrate strong experimental, organizational, communication, and scientific problem-solving skills.

Deadline to Apply - 10/28/2026

Our University Community - We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus. The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status. Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Curriculum Vita
3. Cover Letter