Stowers Institute for Medical Research

Up-to-date news on the Institute and the scientific community

     Thank you for your interest in opportunities at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research.

     The Institute is looking for talented and intelligent people of high integrity who exemplify the values of the Institute--that is, those who are sincere and dependable and who strive for excellence in all they do. We provide a work environment that respects the dignity of every individual and encourages collaboration, teamwork, creativity and innovation. Our founders, Jim and Virginia Stowers, envision creating one of the most innovative and effective medical research organizations in the world. This vision can only be achieved if we attract the very best people.

     The Institute provides a positive and nondiscriminatory atmosphere for all applicants, members, and others participating in Institute programs. It is the policy of the Institute to afford equal opportunity in all phases of employment (including advertising, solicitation, recruitment, hiring, transfers, promotions, demotions, compensation, training, benefits, layoffs, terminations and all other terms and conditions of employment) to all individuals regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability (including within the meaning of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act), military status or any other status protected by law.

     Please click on the link below to take you to the section of this site of interest to you:

Positions currently available

Laboratory Supervisor
Laboratory Technician - Aquatics
Reptile Supervisor
Research Specialist
Research Technician
Research Technician I

How to submit a resume
Benefits Overview Summary

Positions currently available

Laboratory Supervisor

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a Laboratory Supervisor to oversee activities of the Transgenic and Reproductive Technologies group of the Laboratory Animal Services Support Facility.

Responsibilities include ensuring proper inventory, sanitizing equipment and facilities, procuring and storing supplies, and maintaining equipment related to advanced technical services; reviewing and analyzing operational needs; developing, writing, and implementing standard operating procedures; as well as facilitating the resolution of problems related to the use of equipment, efficient use of personnel, diagnosis of and control of disease, providing animal care and adequate veterinary care; and ensuring site preparedness for all regulatory inspections.

Additional responsibilities include monitoring performance of employees and conducting periodic performance evaluations; proactively interacting with Institute members, as necessary to effectively respond to rederivation, cryopreservation, microinjection, and embryonic stem cell requests, inquiries, and complaints ; creating and submitting regular reports of site activities; developing a training program, to include technical training and updates on laboratory animal research industry practices; and overseeing consistent practice of general SIMR safety policies.

In addition to excellent communication skills and the ability to work in a team oriented environment, the successful candidate will have prior supervisory experience, at least seven years experience in the successful production of transgenic and knock-out models, tissue culture, and ES cell targeting procedures, cryopreservation, and re-derivation procedures.

Minimum requirements include an undergraduate degree in Animal Science or a related field, knowledge of and experience with USDA regulations, laboratory animal welfare guidelines and AAALAC International guidelines, and experience with MSWord, PowerPoint and Excel programs. Apply Now

Laboratory Technician - Aquatics

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has a full-time opening for a Laboratory Technician to provide high quality support service in the Aquatics Facility.

Responsibilities include the care of animals involving preparing diets; feeding and health monitoring; cleaning and disinfection of cages, tanks, rooms, and equipment; breeding and rearing of stocks; egg collection; water quality monitoring; and record keeping.

In addition to excellent communication skills, attention to detail, the ability to follow instructions and work in a team environment, the successful candidate will have prior zebrafish (Danio rerio) experience with microinjection, genotyping, cryopreservation, and re-derivation procedures.

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor of Science degree in a related field, ideally fish biology or aquaculture, one year experience in a zebrafish facility, and the ability to lift 50 lbs. Weekend work will be required. Apply Now

Reptile Supervisor

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a supervisor to oversee services provided by the Reptile Facility.

Responsibilities include breeding and maintenance of reptile colonies; evaluation of husbandry and diets; health monitoring and assessment; cleaning and sanitizing equipment and facilities; training staff; recording data; procurement and receipt of new animals; and reviewing and developing standard operating procedures.

In addition to excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively lead by example, the successful candidate will have knowledge of animal welfare guidelines and regulations; a working knowledge of biology, herpetoculture, and genetics; experience with MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel; and AALAS certification.

The minimum requirements include an AA degree in a related field, four years of experience working with reptiles, and the ability to lift at least fifty pounds. Apply Now

Research Specialist

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a Research Specialist to provide high quality services in the Cytometry Facility.

Responsibilities include experiment design and leadership for technical staff; tissue processing, flow cytometry assay processing, general flow cytometry, and FACS; and processing experiments that address Cytometry and R&D projects, research collaborations with SIMR investigators, and small research projects that support the Facility’s mission.

In addition to excellent communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team, the successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of cell and molecular biology, and have a willingness to learn and teach new technologies.

Minimum requirements include a graduate degree in molecular biology, developmental biology, immunology, or protein chemistry, and a 5+ year history that demonstrates productive research experience. Those with a Ph.D. and at least one productive Postdoctoral Fellowship in molecular biology, developmental biology, immunology, or protein chemistry are highly encouraged to apply. Apply Now

Research Technician

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a Research Technician to support research on chromosome segregation using budding yeast as a model organism.

Primary responsibilities will include constructing yeast strains for key experiments; purifying recombinant proteins; and using genetic, cell biological and biochemical approaches to answering key research questions.

The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills; the ability to organize and prioritize work; excellent data analysis and problem solving skills; and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment. Prior experience using yeast as a model organism is preferred.

Minimum requirements include an undergraduate degree in biochemistry, molecular biology, or a related field.

     Applicants for research positions should send a resume, official transcripts and two reference letters to careers@stowers-institute.org or:
     Administration Department
     Stowers Institute for Medical Research
     1000 East 50th Street
     Kansas City, MO 64110
     Apply Now

Research Technician

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a Research Technician to support Advanced Instrumentation and Physics core facility.

Responsibilities include assisting in the development of optical, electronic, and software aspects of our Fluorescence Correlation Setup (Carl Zeiss ConfoCor 3) further to implement automatic high content measurements; performing experiments on biological relevant systems which will result in joint publications; and maintenance and service of the high end light microscopes (wide-field, confocal, multi-photon) in the Imaging Center and research labs of the Stowers Institute.

In addition to excellent communications skills, and the ability to work in a team-oriented environment, the successful candidate will have experience in microscopy or with other optical methods. Basic knowledge in handling of cells is helpful.

For information about the department visit http://research.stowers-institute.org/wiw/

Research Technician I

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research has an opening for a Research Technician in a neuroscience research lab for candidates interested in molecular genetic research.

Responsibilities include maintaining lab equipment and supplies, and performing molecular biology and histology procedures involving mammalian models.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated and interested in biomedical research; have excellent written and verbal communication skills; and the ability to effectively work in a team-oriented environment.

Minimum requirements include an undergraduate degree in molecular biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or a related field.

[* Official transcripts are required for research positions]

The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How to submit a resume
We will accept resumes for future openings at the Institute. You will receive an acknowledgement within two to three weeks of receipt of your resume. We will contact you should we require more information or wish to schedule an interview. Resumes are kept in our active file for one year. It is not necessary to complete an Application for Employment until an interview is scheduled. An official transcript is required for all research positions.

Resumes may be submitted by:

e-mailing them to careers@stowers-institute.org, or
mailing them to:
The Administration Department
The Stowers Institute
1000 East 50th Street
Kansas City, Missouri 64110

Please specify the position or job area for which you are applying in the subject line of your e-mail, or in your cover letter, and submit your resume in Word format, or in the body of your e-mail.

If you are unable to prepare a resume or require other special accommodation, please contact the Administration Department at the Institute during normal business hours. The telephone number is 816-926-4079.

Benefits Overview Summary

*Members (Full-time & Part-time greater than or equal to 20 hours/week)
January 1, 2008

Medical Insurance/Pharmacy Coverage	Medical Insurance and Pharmacy coverage is available to eligible members and their eligible dependents. Individuals have a choice between two plans which are provided through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City: the Blue Care HMO Plan (premium is fully paid by the Institute) and the Preferred Care Blue PPO Plan (premium is partially paid by the participant, on a pre-tax basis).
Dental Insurance	Dental insurance is available at no cost for monthly premiums to eligible members and their eligible dependents. Coverage is through Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas City – Preferred Care Dental Plan and includes both in-network and out-of network options.
Vision Coverage	Vision coverage is available to eligible members and their eligible dependents on a voluntary basis through Vision Signature Plan (VSP). The premium is fully paid by the participant, on a pre-tax basis.
Life Insurance	Term Life Insurance coverage and Accidental Death & Dismemberment coverage is provided at no cost to all eligible members. Coverage is equal to two times a member’s base annual salary, rounded to the next higher $1,000 to a maximum of $500,000. Members may also purchase Additional Life Insurance on themselves, Spouse Life Insurance, and/or Dependent Life Insurance.
Tax Savings Plan	Non-reimbursable Health Care Expenses (participant annual limit = $5,000) Child/Dependent Care Expenses (household annual limit = $5,000)
Stowers Institute Retirement Plan	Stowers Institute contributes 15% of a member’s annual salary each year into a retirement account as long as the contributions do not exceed limits fixed by law. Contributions will begin upon qualification of the member as set forth in the plan.
403(b) Savings Plan	Members may contribute between 1% and 50% of their salary each pay period, up to the allowable contribution set by law, on a tax-deferred basis.
Holiday Leave	Eligible members are entitled to 11 major holidays per year to include: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas and Day after Christmas.
Vacation Leave	Full-time members accrue from 120 - 200 hours of paid vacation leave per year (to a maximum of 5.0 - 8.333 hours per pay period) based on job classification and length of service. Vacation accrual begins on the first day of employment or transfer to a benefit eligible position. Vacation may be taken only if it has been accrued. Unused vacation may be accrued to a maximum of 240 hours.
Sick Leave	Full-time members receive 40 hours of sick leave upon joining the Institute. The member will then accrue sick leave on an hourly basis to a maximum of two hours per pay period not to exceed a maximum total of 72 hours. Sick leave accrual begins on the first day of employment or transfer to a benefit eligible position. Paid sick leave may be taken only if it has been accrued. Paid sick leave may be taken only if it has been accrued. Unused sick leave may be carried over from year to year to a maximum of 72 hours. Part-time members regularly scheduled to work 20 or more hours per week will receive sick leave benefits on a pro rata basis.
Short Term Disability	Short Term Disability is provided at no cost to all eligible members. Full-time and eligible part-time members may use Short Term Disability for their own personal illness or injury. Short Term Disability pays 100% of a member’s base pay after an illness or injury exceeds five days (one work week). Medical substantiation is required prior to receiving Short Term Disability.
Long Term Disability	Long Term Disability is provided at no cost to all eligible members and may be applied for after the initial 60-day elimination period covered by Sick Leave (if accrued) and Short Term Disability. Long Term Disability pays 60% of monthly base pay (up to a maximum of $10,000.00 per month).
Parental Leave	Full-time members are entitled to five paid parental leave days upon the occurrence of the birth or adoption of a child/children. Paid parental leave days must be used all at one time, and must be used within six months of the occurrence.
Bereavement Leave	Full-time members are entitled to take up to three consecutive workdays with pay to attend the funeral and take care of personal matters relating to the death of a parent, spouse, spouse’s parent, child, spouse’s child, brother, sister, grandparent or grandchild. One day of paid leave is available for the death of a spouse’s grandparent, a spouse’s grandchild, a spouse’s brother or sister, or any of the extended family living in the individual’s home. In addition, full-time members will receive an additional two days for travel if the funeral is more than 300 miles from Kansas City.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)	An Employee Assistance Program is provided at no cost to all members, fellows, graduate students and others who receive direct or indirect remuneration from the Institute, and individuals significant to them. The Institute has contracted with Ceridian, a nationally recognized EAP company, to provide "LifeWorks," a free, confidential EAP that includes the following services: phone consultants available 24/7; bilingual consultants and translation services in more than 140 languages; up to three face-to-face counseling sessions (per incident) per participant; a website with online articles, workshops, locators, etc; free booklets, audio recordings, and other materials covering a variety of subjects; referrals to resources, services and support in the community.
Fitness Center	An on-site fitness center is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week for all members. Spouses may use the center, but must be accompanied by the member.
Note: Benefits are available for members regularly scheduled for 20 or more hours per week, unless noted differently in the contents of this document. Leave plans are pro-rated based on a part-time member’s regular schedule. Part-time members are generally entitled to holiday pay if they are regularly scheduled to work on the holiday. Additional benefit information and materials will be provided upon hire date. This overview is intended as a summary only, and the specific terms of each individual benefit plan and leave policy govern. Please consult the applicable policies and plan documents for full details. * Postdoctoral and senior research associates are classified as “members” and fall within the guidelines of these benefits. The Institute has designed a separate package of benefits for postdoctoral and senior research fellows to ensure they maintain an equitable status with other postdocs. Postdoc and senior research fellow benefits information is available upon request.

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