Research Associate
Arkansas Children's
Little Rock, AR
Analyst, Information Technology, Science / R&D / Research
This position has been designated as safety sensitive and cannot be filled by a candidate who is a current user of medical marijuana.
CURRENT EMPLOYEES: Please apply via the internal career site by logging into your Workday Account (https://www.myworkday.com/archildrens/)and search the "Find Jobs" report.
Work Shift:
Please See Job Description For Details.
Time Type:
Full time
Department:
CC037220 Recruitment Matt Kelly ABI
Summary:
Research Associate I – Pediatric Infectious Diseases
Arkansas Children’s Research Institute
Join our Respiratory Microbiome research team to explore how microbial communities influence respiratory infections in children. This role supports clinical, translational, and basic science studies under the direction of Dr. Matthew Kelly.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare, process, and analyze biological samples using microbiology and molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, genomic workflows).
- Operate and maintain laboratory equipment; perform quality control checks.
- Assist with DNA extraction, library prep, and sequencing workflows.
- Maintain accurate documentation and inventory; follow safety protocols for hazardous materials.
- Support data organization and other lab-related tasks as assigned.
- Prior lab experience and relevant scientific background required.
- Preferred: molecular biology, high-throughput sequencing, or microbiome research experience.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Human subjects research training required (no direct patient contact).
Perform standard analytical tests and experiments in support of biotech research projects. Operate laboratory equipment and instruments. Experienced with standard chemistry and molecular biology lab practices and techniques
Required Education:
High school diploma or GED or equivalent
Recommended Education:
Bachelor's degree in a related field of study.
Required Work Experience:
High School Diploma/GED, or 2 years of experience in lieu of a diploma/GED.
Recommended Work Experience:
Required Certifications:
Recommended Certifications:
Description
- Assists with operation of analytical equipment.
- Assists with quantitating various nutrients, chemicals, drugs and/or metabolites, ensuring quality and accurate results are provided.
- Assists with extractions of metabolites and DNA extractions from a variety of biological substrates.
- Assists with maintenance of laboratory equipment to keep it in proper working condition.
- Observes and learns about the proper handling of radioactive and other hazardous chemicals.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
About the company
Company website•Hospitals and Health Care
Arkansas Children's is the only healthcare system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' more than 700,000 children. The private, non-profit organization includes two pediatric hospitals, a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics, and many education and outreach programs — all focused on fulfilling a promise to define and deliver unprecedented child health. Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) is a 336-bed, Magnet-recognized facility in Little Rock operating the state’s only Level I pediatric trauma center; the state's only burn center; the state's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric intensive care unit; the state’s only pediatric surgery program with Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS); the state’s only magnetoencephalography (MEG) system for neurosurgical planning and cutting-edge research; and the state's only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. Arkansas Children’s Hospital is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in seven pediatric specialties (2022—2023): Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Pulmonology and Urology. Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW), the first and only pediatric hospital in the Northwest Arkansas region, is a level IV pediatric trauma center. ACNW operates a 24-bed inpatient unit; a surgical unit with five operating rooms; outpatient clinics offering over 20 subspecialties; diagnostic services; imaging capabilities; occupational therapy services; and Northwest Arkansas' only pediatric emergency department, equipped with 30 exam rooms. Generous philanthropic and volunteer engagement has sustained Arkansas Children's since it began as an orphanage in 1912, and today ensures the system can deliver on its promise of unprecedented child health. To learn more, visit archildrens.org.