Staff Scientist

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:  

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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].

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas invites applications forStaff Scientist, Department of Brain Health, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine [R0149021]

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 as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and a minimum of one (1) year of laboratory setting experience.  Credentials must be obtained prior to the employment start date.

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUS VALUES

A successful candidate will support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness and contribute to a respectful, positive work environment. They will use our Campus Values to guide their decisions and actions and demonstrate our Rebel spirit. 

SALARY 

Salary competitive with those at similarly situated institutions - contingent upon funding.

BENEFITS OF WORKING AT UNLV

• Competitive total rewards package including:

  • Paid time off, sick leave, and holidays

  • Excellent health insurance including medical, dental and vision

  • Comprehensive retirement plans and voluntary benefits programs

• No state income tax

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

• Tuition discounts for spouses, domestic partners, and dependents

PERKS & PROGRAMS

• Employee recognition and appreciation programs

• 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

• Connect with colleagues with shared interests

• Personal and professional development opportunities

• A comprehensive onboarding program,Rebels: Onboard

• Support and resources available for veteran applicants — contact [email protected] or visit our Veterans Webpage.

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. Materials should be addressed to Huston Pullen, Search Committee Chair.

Although this position will remain open until filled, review of candidates’ materials will begin on October 30, 2025.

Applications must be submitted electronically through Workday. Please note that emailed materials will not be accepted. 

Veterans are encouraged to apply. UNLV values the skills of those who have served. Learn more at Veterans Webpage or contact [email protected] for support.

For assistance with the application process, please review instructions on How to Apply. For further assistance contact School of Medicine Human Resources at [email protected].

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR INTERNAL NSHE CANDIDATES

UNLV employees or employees within the Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) MUST use the “Browse Jobs” process within Workday to find and apply for jobs at UNLV and other NSHE Institutions. Once you log into Workday, type "Browse 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, R0149021 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 comprised 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, and is a recipient of the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. 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. Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.

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, Mail Stop 1062, Las Vegas, NV 89154-1062, Campus Services Building (CSB) Room 246, 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 theOffice 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

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