HS Research Assistant

The Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences is currently seeking motivated individual to join Dr. Gurdeep Singh’s research team at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine as a Research Assistant. Dr. Singh’s lab focuses on decoding the epigenetic basis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and ocular/metastatic cancers. This is a unique opportunity to be part of cutting-edge biomedical research with direct impact on future diagnostics and therapeutics. Candidate will be part of various scientific paper writing and publications, contribute to medical research with real-world applications and learn cutting-edge research methods. The position is for the work done in the lab and eligible for remote work, as needed.

What You'll Do in Singh lab:

• Perform various lab & technical tasks, procedures for assigned ongoing research studies and routine tasks associated with the execution of epigenetics & molecular biology laboratory techniques.
• Support trainees/students (undergrad, PhD, MD students and post-doc) in ongoing research projects focused on uveal melanoma, cancer epigenetics, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Collect, process, and establish/coordinate: Data, samples, tissue dissections, new protocols etc.
• Continue zebrafish work, organoid work, various culture work ensuring the proper growth and maintenance of various cell lines, spheroids etc.
• Document work, including equipment settings, procedures, and results according to lab protocols.
• Perform preliminary data experiments, assist in the routine data analysis.
• Set up, operate, maintain, and clean laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Follow good laboratory safety practices and comply with safety protocols.
• Assist with literature reviews and maintain accurate research databases
• Learn and apply experimental design, data analytics, and research methodology
• Collaborate with researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds
• Contribute to scientific writing and publication efforts, when appropriate
• Apply learned techniques and knowledge to independent research projects
• Able to work occasionally on weekends as lab needs dictate
• Time and workdays in the lab are flexible, provided that research responsibilities and expected research output are met.

See the Position Description for additional information.

Conditions of Employment

A valid New Mexico driver's license will be required if a motor vehicle must be operated on the job. Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED; no previous experience required. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree

Additional Requirements

Campus Health Sciences Center (HSC) - Albuquerque, NM Department Department of Ophthalmology (409A) Employment Type Staff Staff Type Term - Part-Time Term End Date 8/31/2027 Status Non-Exempt Pay Hourly: $16.88 - $21.14 Benefits Eligible This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information. ERB Statement As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid. Background Check Required Yes For Best Consideration Date 8/28/2026 Eligible for Hiring Incentive No Eligible for Remote Work Yes Eligible for Remote Work Statement This position is eligible for a remote work agreement (RWA), to include Out-of-State.

Application Instructions

Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application. Please attach Cover Letter explaining interest in the position and highlighting relevant skills/background, scientific writing experience etc. Attach Resume and CV. If available, a sample of your scientific writing or a brief description of any relevant previous projects and transcripts, current class schedule or availability, and 3 professional references, preferably supervisory.

Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details. The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit this link. Refer to this link for a definition of Regular Staff.