A research aide at Kansas University was charged Wednesday with making a drug similar to ecstasy in a laboratory on campus.

Douglas County District Attorney’s office charged Matthew Schmidt, 28, with one count of unlawfully manufacturing or attempting to manufacture a controlled substance.

Schmidt, who was employed half-time at the university in an entry-level research support position, was arrested Aug. 25.

The medicinal chemistry aide is accused of producing methylenedioxyamphetamine, or MDA, in a lab at Malott Hall.

Schmidt was released from jail after posting $15,000 bond. He’s scheduled to appear in court Monday.