We are currently accepting research volunteers for Spring 2026

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 SPRING 2026

*Please contact the PI 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 the PI

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.

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.

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.

Kinney Lab:

The Kinney Lab's current focus is on the development and standardization of human cerebral (brain) organoids as models of Alzheimer’s disease. By leveraging these three-dimensional neural systems, the aim is to capture disease-relevant cellular and molecular features to better understand their underlying mechanisms. Additionally, the lab has a unique interest in Alzheimer’s disease–associated biomarkers, with a more recent emphasis on epigenetic signatures such as DNA methylation patterns.

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.

Our biobank manages and analyzes human biological samples collected from multiple research cohorts, including COBRE, EXBF, and SEWRAD. These projects are focused on identifying blood based biomarkers related to neurological and psychiatric disorders, particularly those associated with neurodegeneration. Our work involves processing, aliquoting, cataloging, and maintaining large collections of plasma and serum samples, ensuring proper storage and tracking for downstream biomarker analysis. We quantify specific protein biomarkers using several immunoassay platforms, including ELISA, Lumipulse, and Quanterix Simoa, allowing for highly sensitive detection of molecules such as pTau-217, amyloid-related markers, and inflammatory proteins.

The goal of our work is to support translational research aimed at improving early detection, monitoring, and understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and other neurological diseases through reliable peripheral biomarkers.

Osse Lab:

The Osse Lab is dedicated to accelerating the development of precision therapeutics for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related dementias. Our research sits at the intersection of biomarker science, clinical trial design, and sex-specific translational neuroscience. We integrate big data approaches, cutting-edge biomarker technologies, and mechanistic laboratory studies to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and real-world treatments. By leveraging resources such as the Clinical Trial Observatory (CTO) and Biomarker Observatory (BMO), our team analyzes global clinical trial data to identify promising therapies, evaluate emerging biomarkers, and improve the design of future studies.

A central focus of our work is advancing women’s brain health. Because women represent nearly two-thirds of individuals living with AD, we investigate how menopause, reproductive hormones, and sex-specific biology influence disease risk, biomarkers, and treatment response. Our lab combines clinical trial and biomarker informatics with hands-on laboratory research, using ultra-sensitive biomarker technologies and patient-derived models to study Alzheimer’s disease in ways that better reflect human biology. We are committed to using a translational approach, from discovery to patient benefit, ensuring that Alzheimer’s research is conducted with rigor, precision, and equity.

Conway-Kleven Lab:

Dr. Brooke Conway Kleven’s Lab directs a research program focused on understanding the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts in professional and tactical athletes. Through collaborations between UNLV, the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, and the UFC Performance Institute, her lab is building a comprehensive longitudinal data repository and biobank that integrates head-impact exposure data, blood-based biomarkers, neuroimaging, and cognitive and functional assessments. This work aims to identify early biological and clinical indicators of brain injury risk and resilience, ultimately informing prevention strategies and athlete brain health.

If you are interested in volunteering in any of the above labs, 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*