Joining the Lab
We are currently accepting research volunteers for Fall 2025
All research applications will be saved for future positions if all current spots are filled.
Please fill out the application below
GRADUATE STUDENTS
WE WILL BE ACCEPTING GRADUATE STUDENTS FOR FALL 2023
*Please contact Dr. Kinney directly if you are interested in applying to the Ph.D. program*
Due to us being a neurobiology laboratory performing cellular and molecular techniques coupled with behavioral testing, there are recommendations for an interested applicant in addition to the recommended guidelines put forth by the UNLV Brain Health Department. Below are techniques, skills, and coursework utilized in our laboratory that we ask applications to highlight in their applications if they have previous experience:
Recommended coursework - Cellular & Molecular Biology, Neuroscience/Neurobiology, Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Statistics, Experimental Design, Exposure to Statistical Analyses (SPSS, R).
Bench techniques - SDS-Page/Western Blotting, Immunohistochemistry, DNA/RNA isolation, PCR, qRT-PCR, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, Cell Culture, Primary Cell Culture, Florescent/Confocal Microscopy, human genotyping, etc.
Animal Work / Behavioral Tasks - Animal Husbandry, Drug Administration, Barnes Maze, Open Field, Novel Object Recognition, Morris Water Maze, Radial Arm Maze, Cued & Contextual Fear Conditioning, Behavioral Screening, etc.
Additional skills - Mass Spectrometry (Proteomics), Bioinformatics, Quanterix, Velocity, etc
**note: these are recommended skills and not requirements to apply as a graduate student**
Post Doc / Technicians / Medical Students (Research Rotations)
*Please directly EMAIL Dr. Kinney and/or kinneylab*
Research Volunteering
We are seeking motivated and dedicated research volunteers - including undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and non-traditional students - who are interested in gaining hands-on experience in neuroscience research and becoming part of our team. Volunteering in our laboratory offers a unique opportunity to engage in the full spectrum of the scientific process, from developing hypotheses and designing experiments to learning laboratory techniques, analyzing complex datasets, and contributing to ongoing and future studies.
Our research integrates both nonclinical and clinical samples, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and advanced methodologies to identify potential biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease. This direct translational approach distinguishes our work and provides volunteers with exposure to cutting-edge neuroscience research with real-world impact.
Regardless of prior research experience, we work closely with each volunteer to provide individualized training and mentorship. Our goal is to cultivate a strong foundation in both basic and translational neuroscience while preparing students for future careers in research, medicine, and other biomedical fields. Above all, our work is driven by a shared commitment to advancing research on Alzheimer’s disease.
Our laboratory and collaborative projects span a wide range of activities, including hands-on wet-lab work, scientific data analysis, and academic writing. Research assistants are expected to contribute to multiple aspects of the research process, such as early-stage project development and planning, literature reviews, biostatistics, clinical trial data analysis, pathway analysis, biomarker discovery, and general laboratory maintenance. These experiences equip volunteers with a deep understanding of the scientific method and practical research skills. Participants gain proficiency in scientific writing and interpretation, communication, and laboratory techniques while contributing to meaningful, real-world neuroscience research.
Motivated and high-performing volunteers may also have the opportunity to attend and present at scientific conferences, lead independent projects, earn awards, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications as authors.
If you are interested in volunteering in the Translational Mechanisms and Drug Discovery Laboratory and Pam Quirk Biomarker Laboratory, please fill out the form below.
All research applications will be saved for future positions if all current spots are filled.
Please note the following:
We require a strict availability of 15 hours per week between the hours of 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, for training. This typically lasts about one semester. Once trained and independent, research volunteers are able to work outside these hours, including the weekends.
Acceptance into the laboratory is initially for one semester and continuation with the laboratory is based upon productivity during the first semester
We require new research assistants to sign up for 1-3 research credits during their first semester
In addition, please email your CV/Resume and your MyUNLV class schedule (if applicable) to kinneylab@unlv.edu for consideration while we review your application.
*There is no word limit for each of the answer boxes below*