Description

Position Overview

The Walters Lab (https://walterslab.ku.edu/) is seeking a self-motivated, detail-oriented biologist to join our research program investigating aging and reproductive biology in lepidopteran insects (moths and butterflies), which is part of a larger research consortium studying aging across animals (https://www.iisage.org/). This position will be directly supervised by PI Walters, with the primary responsibility being to provide technical support to PI Walters and other senior lab members in pursuit of our research agenda. Such research support responsibilities include 1) rearing and maintenance of insect stocks under various experimental conditions, 2) dissecting and collecting tissues for genomic analysis, and 3) performing a range of molecular biology protocols to generate relevant samples and data (e.g. DNA/RNA extraction, DNA damage assays). Further tasks and responsibilities may include performing cytogenetic, microscopy, or transgenic experiments, bioinformatic data analysis, ordering supplies/reagents, updating/maintaining protocol documentation and public websites, organizing the lab environment, and participation in developing and deploying content for public science outreach/education.

Job Description

30% - Insect rearing and culture propagation

• Transfer and handling of live insects (primarily moths and butterflies)
• preparing insect diet
• collecting insect eggs from cultures
• washing of dishes and insect cages
• caretaking of insect host plants (planting, watering, trimming),

30% - Organizing and managing aging & mating experiments with insects

• Implementing experimental protocols for aging and mating experiments with insects
• Dissection, tissue collection, and sample preparation
• Record keeping, data entry and basic analysis

20% - Performing molecular biology & microscopy protocols

• Extracting nucleic acids
• PCR & gel electrophoresis
• Preparation of samples on slides

10% - Maintaining lab resources and environment

• Ordering research supplies and reagents
• Writing and revising protocols and operating procedures
• Updating the lab website and wiki

10% - Supporting other research and outreach activities ongoing the lab

• Perform statistical and bioinformatic data analyses
• Develop and present content for community scientific outreach

Required Qualifications

1. High school diploma/GED and four years of related experience OR Bachelor's degree Biology, Entomology, Genetics, or a related field

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application consists of:

• online application form
• resume or CV
• cover letter describing how you meet the required and preferred qualifications
• list of three professional references

Application review begins Monday, March 2, 2026. To ensure consideration, please apply prior to this date.

Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.