Children's Mercy KC·Kansas City, Missouri
The role involves providing support for research projects by operating laboratory equipment and preparing biological samples for analysis. Responsibilities also include maintaining lab inventories, ensuring sterile conditions, and recording experimental data.
Thanks for your interest in Children's Mercy!
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.
Overview The employee's primary duty is the performance of work requiring advanced knowledge, defined as work which is predominantly intellectual in character and which includes work requiring the consistent exercise of discretion and judgment; The advanced knowledge is in the field of science; and The advanced knowledge has been customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction.
Provides, under direct supervision, support for specified research projects; researches, assesses, and clarifies data and distributes information.
May assist in general laboratory maintenance and inventory control and conducts research as directed.
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.
Bachelor's Degree Degree in Life Sciences Preferred and 2 years relevant experience in a laboratory setting or Master's Degree Preferred and 1-2 years experience 1 year relevant experience in a laboratory setting Benefits at Children's Mercy 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. Learn more about Children’s Mercy benefits. Starting Pay Our pay ranges are market competitive. The pay range for this job begins at $26.62/hr, but your offer will be determined based on your education and experience. Remote Work/Work from Home 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. EEO Employer/Disabled/Vet 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.
Candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Life Sciences with 2 years of experience, or a Master's degree with 1-2 years of laboratory experience. Proficiency in operating specialized lab equipment and following safety protocols for hazardous materials is required.
Market context
In Missouri, Research Specialist I roles are typically tied to active lab, clinical, or academic research programs, so demand often follows grant-funded projects and ongoing laboratory operations. These positions are competitive because employers usually want a life sciences degree plus hands-on lab experience, equipment proficiency, and strict safety discipline. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then tailor your application to specific instruments, hazardous-materials training, and any relevant lab workflows.