Asst Research Scientist/Engin - MORL

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

The Department of Otolaryngology’s Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories (MORL) seeks a Research Assistant to conduct highly technical, specialized scientific research focused on genetic deafness, including autosomal recessive and dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss. Research areas include phenotype-genotype relationships, novel gene discovery, gene therapy, and the contribution of genetics to age-related hearing loss. The position evaluates genetic data to identify genotype-phenotype correlations and develops methods to identify novel disease-causing loci. The role also independently secures funding, conducts experiments, analyzes data, and disseminates findings through publications and presentations. The position conducts in vivo and molecular experiments, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and viral vector injections in rodent models. It evaluates data integrity and relevance, defines research problems, contributes to protocol development, and works independently on research tasks under a Principal Investigator’s oversight. Responsibilities also include developing protocols, documenting equipment and procedures, and obtaining support for research activities. The role analyzes and interprets research data, compares findings with published work, and prepares results for publication and presentation. It may manage all or part of a research project, including staffing, schedules, funds, data generation and analysis, equipment, and facilities. The position also mentors students and staff, provides supervision, supports training and continuing education, and ensures adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when needed.

Requirements

Doctorate in molecular biology, genetics, or an equivalent professional degree such as DDS or DVM.
At least 3 years of relevant postdoctoral laboratory experience in hearing genetics or a related field.
Ability to plan and execute a research study, including progressively independent research work.
Strong working knowledge of in vivo experimental procedures in mice.
Strong working knowledge of rodent hearing tests, including Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), and noise overexposure.
Strong working knowledge of mouse inner-ear surgery related to viral vector injection.
Strong working knowledge of middle- and inner-ear anatomy and proficiency in harvesting, dissecting, and preparing cochlear samples.
Strong working knowledge of cochlear morphology and sample preparation for microscopy techniques, including SEM, TEM, confocal, and light imaging.
Strong working knowledge of in vitro experiments involving bacteria and cell culture.
Strong working knowledge of molecular evaluation techniques, including PCR, RT-qPCR, western blotting, Co-IP, and immunofluorescence, and associated equipment.
Experience with genetic analysis technologies and analytical strategies.
Effective interpersonal skills and strong written, oral communication, and presentation skills.
Proficient computer skills, including GraphPad Prism, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and ImageJ, as well as working knowledge of statistical analysis.

Nice To Haves

Strong working knowledge of plasmid construction.
Knowledge of University of Iowa policies and procedures.
Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

Conduct in vivo and molecular experiments concerning genetic hearing loss, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and viral vector injections in rodent models.
Collect and evaluate data for integrity, relevance, and consistency with research questions.
Define outstanding research problems and contribute to research protocol development.
Work independently on research tasks with oversight by the Principal Investigator.
Document equipment and procedures.
Develop research protocols and obtain support for new or continuing research activities.
Analyze data, perform basic data analysis, and compare findings with previously published work.
Prepare research results for reports, papers, journals, books, and other media.
Prepare seminars, discussions, and lectures to communicate research findings.
Represent the research group at professional meetings.
Maintain liaison with sponsoring agencies, organizations, and other research and educational institutions.
Manage all or part of research projects, including staff selection and scheduling, project funds, data generation and analysis, and equipment and facilities.
Participate in setting research priorities and planning research programs.
Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public.
Promote continual process and quality improvement while using resources to meet service and productivity demands within unit goals and budgets.
Pursue professional knowledge, skills, and career development.
Train investigators and support staff and conduct continuing education.
Mentor graduate students, medical residents on research rotations, and research assistants.
Provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff.
Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.