Department:
SOM KC Cardiovascular Medicine Translational Research
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Translational Research
Position Title:
Senior Scientist- Cardiology
Job Family Group:
Professional Staff
Job Description Summary:
The Senior Scientist provides advanced scientific leadership and research expertise to support the development, execution, and advancement of complex molecular biology research programs within the Department of Cardiovascular and Cardiothoracic Research. This position independently leads research initiatives, provides scientific direction, mentors research personnel, and serves as a subject matter expert in molecular biology and related areas of specialization.
The Senior Scientist is responsible for designing and conducting advanced molecular, cellular, biochemical, and physiological research; driving scientific innovation; ensuring research quality and compliance; analyzing and interpreting complex scientific data; and contributing to the overall growth and success of the research program.
Job Description:
Job Responsibilities
- Lead and manage complex molecular biology research projects, including the development of research objectives, experimental strategies, methodologies, timelines, and project plans. Collaborate effectively on joint laboratory and multidisciplinary research initiatives.
- Design, perform, optimize, and troubleshoot a variety of molecular, biochemical, cellular, and physiological experiments, including cell culture–based studies. Develop and refine experimental methods and protocols to support research objectives.
- Conduct research involving small animal models, particularly mice, including animal handling and experimental procedures. Perform genotyping and related molecular analyses in accordance with established laboratory protocols, institutional requirements, and applicable research standards.
- Design, optimize, and evaluate experimental approaches while identifying and resolving complex scientific and technical challenges.
- Analyze, interpret, and communicate complex experimental data to inform scientific decisions, evaluate research hypotheses, and guide future research directions.
- Provide scientific leadership, mentorship, training, and technical guidance to Research Associates, students, fellows, and other laboratory personnel.
- Support laboratory workflows and research operations while promoting scientific rigor, reproducibility, quality standards, and adherence to institutional and regulatory requirements.
- Contribute to the preparation and publication of manuscripts in peer-reviewed scientific journals and the development of abstracts, posters, presentations, research reports, and other scientific materials.
- Contribute scientific expertise to grant applications, research proposals, and other activities supporting the development and funding of laboratory research programs.
- Collaborate with principal investigators, clinicians, researchers, and multidisciplinary teams to advance molecular biology, cardiovascular, and translational research initiatives.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, scientific literature, experimental techniques, and innovative methodologies to enhance laboratory capabilities and advance research objectives.
- Support strategic planning, program development, and continuous improvement initiatives within the laboratory and department.
- Represent the laboratory and institution through participation in scientific conferences, research meetings, professional organizations, and other scholarly activities.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Required Qualifications
Education: PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, or a closely related scientific discipline.
This position requires a formal degree in the cited discipline area(s) to ensure that candidates have advanced knowledge, analytical skills and professional competencies necessary to perform the duties of the position. The level of degree is commonly recognized as the standard qualification for similar roles in the public and private sector, ensuring that the university remains competitive with industry aligned practices, enhances collaboration with external partners, and supports the delivery of services and programs that meet professional and market-driven expectations.
Work Experience:
- Four (4) years of relevant research experience.
- Experience designing, conducting, and troubleshooting molecular, cellular, biochemical, and/or physiological research.
- Experience leading research projects.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting complex experimental data and using findings to guide research strategies and future experimental directions.
- Experience providing scientific guidance, mentorship, or training to students, research staff, fellows, or other laboratory personnel.
Preferred Qualifications
Work Experience:
- Proven track record of publishing scientific research in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience leading research projects or major components of broader research programs.
- Experience contributing to grant applications, research proposals, and research funding efforts.
- Experience presenting research findings at scientific meetings or conferences.
- Experience in cardiovascular, translational, or molecular physiology research.
- Experience working within an academic medical center or university research environment.
- Experience developing or optimizing laboratory procedures, experimental protocols, and research methodologies.
- Experience training and mentoring scientific staff, students, fellows, or other research personnel.
- Relevant research certifications or training, including applicable animal research, biosafety, laboratory safety, or other research compliance training.
- Experience in biochemistry, genetics, histology, molecular biology, and/or molecular physiology.
- Experience with molecular and cellular laboratory techniques and experimental methodologies.
- Experience with cell culture–based research.
- Experience working with small animal models, particularly mice, including animal handling and genotyping.
Skills
- Problem-solving.
- Experimental design.
- Data interpretation.
- Presentations.
- Collaboration.
- Communication.
Required Documents
Comprehensive Benefits Package:
Coverage begins on day one for health, dental, and vision insurance and includes health expense accounts with generous employer contributions if the employee participates in a qualifying health plan. Employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability insurance, and various additional voluntary insurance plans are available. Paid time off, including vacation and sick, begins accruing upon hire, plus ten paid holidays. One paid discretionary day is available after six months of employment, and paid time off for bereavement, jury duty, military service, and parental leave is available after 12 months of employment. A retirement program with a generous employer contribution and additional voluntary retirement programs (457 or 403b) are available. https://www.kumc.edu/human-resources/benefits.html
Employee Type:
Regular
Time Type:
Full time
Rate Type:
Salary
Compensation Statement:
The pay range listed for this position is determined by our compensation program using market data and salary benchmarking. A combination of factors is considered in making compensation decisions including, but not limited to, education, experience and training, qualifications relative to the requirements of the position, and funding. At the University of Kansas Medical Center, a reasonable estimate for the starting pay range will be the minimum to midpoint of the posted range, taking into account the combination of factors listed above.
Pay Range:
$70,200.00 - $105,300.00
Minimum
$70,200.00
Midpoint
$87,700.00
Maximum
$105,300.00
