Do you envision finding a meaningful role with an inclusive and compassionate team? At Children’s Mercy, we believe in making a difference in the lives of all children and shining a light of hope to the patients and families we serve. Our employees make the difference, which is why we have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top pediatric hospital, for eleven consecutive years.

Children’s Mercy is in the heart of Kansas City – a metro abounding in cultural experiences, vibrant communities and thriving businesses. This is where our patients and families live, work and play. This is a community that has embraced our hospital and we strive to say thanks by giving back. As a leader in children’s health, we engage in meaningful programs and partnerships throughout the region so that we can improve the lives of children beyond the walls of our hospital.

The Lab Research Associate I will support research activities within the Neonatal Diseases Research Program (NDRP) at Children’s Mercy Research Institute. The position requires someone who can work with limited direction, conduct and troubleshoot experiments, collect and analyze data, and summarize research findings.

The NDRP conducts translational and basic science research focused on neonatal lung and intestinal injury and developmental biology. Our research focuses on understanding molecular mechanisms regulating endothelial and epithelial injury in the developing lung and intestine, including diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotizing enterocolitis.

The laboratory uses mouse models, human samples and genetics, cell-based models and molecular approaches. The NDRP includes physician-scientists, PhD and Master's-level scientists, research staff, clinical research coordinators and trainees. The lab is located within the Children’s Mercy Research Institute (CMRI), with access to research cores including genomics, flow cytometry and imaging.

The successful candidate will be an important part of the research team and should be comfortable independently managing assigned experiments, particularly mouse studies and tissue processing.

At Children’s Mercy, we are committed to ensuring that everyone feels welcomed within our walls. A successful candidate for this position will join us as we strive to create a workplace that reflects the community we serve, as well as our core values of kindness, curiosity, inclusion, team and integrity.

Additionally, it’s important to us that we remain transparent with all potential job candidates. Because we value the safety of the patients and families we serve, as well as the Children’s Mercy staff, we want to let you know that the seasonal influenza vaccine is a condition of employment for all employees in our organization. New employees must be willing to be vaccinated if found non-immune to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) and chicken pox (varicella) and/or without evidence of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination since 2005. If you are selected for this position, you will be asked to supply your immunization records as proof of vaccination. If you and have any concerns about receiving these vaccines, medical and/or religious exemptions can be further discussed with Human Resources.

• Conduct laboratory experiments with limited direction and troubleshoot routine experimental problems.
• Perform mouse handling and procedures, genotyping, lung inflation, tissue collection and processing of lung and intestinal samples.
• Maintain mouse colonies and accurate experimental and sample records.
• Collect, analyze and summarize research data and communicate results with the research team.
• Assist with training Research Assistants, students and trainees as needed.

• Master's Degree biological sciences or other related degree and 3-5 years experience research lab experience or
• Bachelor's Degree biological sciences or other related degree and 5-7 years experience research lab experience
• 3–4 years of hands-on mouse experience, including mouse handling and routine experimental procedures preferred
• Experience with mouse genotyping, lung inflation, tissue collection and processing of lung and/or intestinal samples for histology.
• Experience with basic molecular biology and tissue-based laboratory techniques.
• Ability to perform experiments independently with limited supervision and troubleshoot routine laboratory procedures.
• Good organizational skills and ability to maintain accurate experimental records.
• Good oral and written communication skills and ability to work as part of a research team.

Research Environment

The NDRP supports a collaborative environment focused on discovery, innovation and team science. This position is well suited for an experienced Master's-level scientist who enjoys hands-on mouse and laboratory work, can independently manage experiments, and works well with other members of the research team.

The benefits plans at Children’s Mercy are one of many reasons we are recognized as one of the best places to work in Kansas City. Our plans are designed to meet the changing needs of our employees and their families.

Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $27.04/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience.

This position is not eligible to work remotely, which means that the person hired will be required to work onsite at one of our Children’s Mercy locations and may not work from home.

Children’s Mercy hires individuals based on their job skills, expertise and ability to maintain professional relationships with fellow employees, patients, parents and visitors. A personal interview, formal education and training, previous work experience, references and a criminal background investigation are all factors used to select the best candidates. The hospital does not discriminate against prospective or current employees based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, creed, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, ancestry or veteran status. A drug screen will be performed upon hire. Children’s Mercy is smoke and tobacco free.

CM is committed to creating a workforce that supports the diverse backgrounds of our patients and families. We know that our greatest strengths come from the people who make up our team, so we hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our hospital stronger and our patient care more compassionate.

If you share our values and our enthusiasm for service, you will find a home at CM. In recruiting for our team, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring, including education, ideas, culture, and beliefs.