Research Assistant
University of Iowa

Job Info

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The University of Iowa department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is seeking a Research Assistant to advance research in a Reproductive Science and Neuroscience lab within the Iowa Neuroscience Institute.

This role will involve executing molecular and cellular biology techniques, lab management duties, and mouse studies. It is expected that as the research assistant gains experience with laboratory techniques and procedures, they will take on increased autonomy and collaboration with other laboratory members. They will also gradually increase the level of their scientific duties by adding experimental design and data analysis as well as preparation of materials for abstracts, reports, grant applications, and manuscripts.

The ideal candidate will be able to function very independently but also work well as a member of a team. The research assistant will assist with administrative duties related to ordering lab supplies, maintenance and organization of protocols and documents, management of schedules and training of other lab members, and animal care.

Characteristics Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist with procurement of lab and animal supplies and materials.
• Animal handling and cohort management.
• Carry out molecular biology techniques, including immunohistochemistry, DNA and RNA extraction, RT-PCR and real time RT-PCR.
• Operate light microscopes and acquire microscopic imaging data.
• Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.
• Perform lab maintenance tasks including autoclaving, refilling supplies, cleaning glassware, emptying biohazard tubs, etc.
• Arrange, plan, and execute daily activities to prepare for research protocols.
• Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.
• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
• Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.
• Track progress of research activities.
• Prepare materials for reports.
• May present results/findings at meetings.
• May train, provide direction, assignments, and feedback to other employees.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a biological science field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Ability to use and maintain general lab equipment.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team setting.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6 months to one year of prior research experience in biology, or a related field
• Experience with molecular biology, in vivo, and in vitro lab techniques
• Training and supervising staff and students
• Skilled in use of Prism/SPSS/R/Sigmaplot, Endnote, and Adobe software products
• Experience with data analysis, statistics
• Experience with sterile techniques, tissue harvest, sectioning, histology, animal behavioral testing, and immunofluorescent microscopy.

Position and Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume and mark them as a relevant file to the submission.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions please contact Cassie Burrill at cassie-burrill@uiowa.edu.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Research Assistant
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Cassie Burrill
• Contact Email: cassie-burrill@uiowa.edu

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