Okay, I've searched for Research Associate roles in Manhattan, KS, specifically focusing on microbiology and laboratory management. These positions require a Master's degree and at least 2 years of experience in the veterinary or medical research industry. I have found 27 positions that match your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The position of Research Associate/Laboratory Manager at Kansas State University is fundamentally centered on supporting sophisticated research activities in the Souza-Neto Lab, specifically regarding emerging vector-borne, zoonotic, and antimicrobial resistance diseases. This role marries technical acumen in Next-Generation Sequencing and microbiology with essential laboratory management skills, indicating that the successful candidate must not only possess strong scientific expertise but also the ability to oversee operations and ensure compliance with biosafety guidelines. The responsibilities include managing research projects, developing and editing standard operating procedures (SOPs), budgeting, and facilitating compliance and training—showcasing the need for both meticulous attention to detail and superior organizational skills. Success in this position will be characterized by an individual who can navigate the intricacies of laboratory operations while simultaneously engaging in critical research that may have significant implications in veterinary medicine and public health. Therefore, candidates must be prepared to juggle multiple projects while demonstrating independent judgment and critical thinking, as they will work closely with a Principal Investigator to build and maintain a high-functioning research environment.

Company Analysis:

Kansas State University (K-State) occupies a notable position in the higher education landscape in the United States, particularly in the realm of veterinary medicine and bioscience research. Being a significant educational institution, K-State commands a robust academic community and is involved in meaningful research endeavors that often intersect with public health issues, such as zoonotic diseases. The university embraces a culture of innovation and thorough investigation, likely valuing academic excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The role of Research Associate fits within a larger framework of research that is vital to the university’s objectives, particularly in addressing pressing veterinary and public health challenges. Given the scale and scope of research being conducted, this position is instrumental in ensuring the lab functions optimally, aligning with K-State’s mission to contribute to society through education and research. Moreover, the individual in this role will likely interact with various stakeholders across numerous disciplines, which necessitates strong collaborative abilities. Understanding K-State's community-driven culture will aid prospective candidates in successfully navigating the expectations of this role and integrating effectively into the team.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral Questions: Tell me about a time when you had to manage multiple research projects simultaneously. How did you prioritize your tasks and ensure each was successfully completed?
• Behavioral Questions: Describe a situation where you had to troubleshoot a technical problem in a laboratory setting. What was the challenge, and what solution did you implement?
• Behavioral Questions: Can you provide an example of how you ensured compliance with biosafety guidelines in your previous work?
• Behavioral Questions: Give an example of a time you trained team members on lab protocols or procedures. What approach did you take to ensure they were engaged and retained the information?
• Technical/Role-Specific Questions: What are the key considerations when working with BSL-2 pathogens, and how do you ensure compliance with the associated guidelines?
• Technical/Role-Specific Questions: Explain your experience with Next-Generation Sequencing. What specific techniques do you find most effective, and why?
• Technical/Role-Specific Questions: How do you approach writing and editing standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure clarity and compliance?
• Technical/Role-Specific Questions: Discuss your experience in budgeting for laboratory projects. What factors do you consider to ensure proper allocation of resources?
• Situational Questions: Imagine you discover a significant compliance issue within the laboratory. How would you address this with your team and ensure it is resolved quickly?
• Situational Questions: If you were asked to design an experiment to study a new vector-borne disease, what preliminary steps would you take?
• Company Fit/Motivation Questions: What interests you most about working in a research-focused position within a university setting like Kansas State University?
• Company Fit/Motivation Questions: How do your personal values align with the mission and goals of Kansas State University, particularly regarding veterinary medicine and public health?
• Questions for the Candidate to Ask the Interviewer: Can you share more about the current research projects within the Souza-Neto Lab and how the Research Associate will contribute to these projects?
• Questions for the Candidate to Ask the Interviewer: What is the expected career progression for someone in the Research Associate role at Kansas State University?