Research Assistant

This job will serve to support and further the research undertaken for NIH grant R15GM155864 in the Kelley Lab in Molecular and Biomedical Sciences. This person will perform research investigating the regulation of GPCR signaling in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as perform standard laboratory duties and tasks related to the funded research. They will also train and mentor undergraduate students in the Kelley lab. Typical hiring salary for this soft-money funded position is $40,008 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Complete Job Description

About the University:
The University of Maine is a community of more than 11,900 undergraduate and graduate students, and 2,500 employees located on the Orono campus, the regional campus in Machias, and throughout the state. UMaine is a land, sea and space grant university, and maintains a leadership role as the University of Maine System's flagship institution. UMaine is the state's public research university and a Carnegie R1 top-tier research institution, dedicated to providing excellent teaching, research and service for Maine, the nation and the world. More information about UMaine is at umaine.edu. 

The University of Maine offers a wide range of benefits for employees including, but not limited to, tuition benefits (employee and dependent), comprehensive insurance coverage including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and short and long term disability as well as retirement plan options. 

UMaine is located in beautiful Central Maine. Many employees report that a primary reason for choosing to come to UMaine is quality of life. Numerous cultural activities, excellent public schools, safe neighborhoods, high quality medical care, little traffic, and a reasonable cost of living make the greater Bangor area a wonderful place to live. Visit the Maine Office of Tourism to learn more about what the Bangor region has to offer.
 

Qualifications:

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a biology discipline, such as biochemistry, cell biology, or molecular biology with 2-3 years experience in a research environment. 
• Experience with PCR, plasmid cloning, yeast genetics, western blotting, standard yeast culture techniques, fluorescence microscopy, microfluidics. 
• Experience with image analysis using Imagej

Preferred: 

• Master’s Degree in Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or a closely related field.  
• Experience performing data analysis with MATLAB
• Prior research experience with S. cerevisiae.
• Familiarity with fluorescence microscopy and live-cell imaging.
• Experience with microfluidics or interest in learning new techniques.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and record-keeping skills.

Other Information: 

To be considered for this position you will need to “Apply” and upload the documentation listed below:

1.) a cover letter which describes your experience, interests, and suitability for the position
2.) a resume/curriculum vitae

Candidates selected to proceed to the final stages of the search process will be requested to provide a list of names and contact information for references.

Incomplete application materials cannot be considered. Materials received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.

For full consideration, materials must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. EST on September 15, 2025.

The successful applicant is subject to appropriate background screening. 

In complying with the letter and spirit of applicable laws and pursuing its own goals of diversity, the University of Maine System does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability physical or mental, genetic information, or veterans or military status in employment, education, and all other programs and activities. The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Director of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services, 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, University of Maine, Orono, ME  04469-5713, 207.581.1226, TTY 711 (Maine Relay System).