Assistant Research Scientist - Iowa Neuroscience Institute

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

The Assistant Research Scientist will support the daily operation of scientific services in the Iowa NeuroBank Core in the Iowa Neuroscience Institute. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for implementing cutting-edge spatial -omics technologies and overseeing some aspects of the day-to-day operation of the core facility. Competitive job candidates should have a solid foundation in standard molecular biology lab techniques, have familiarity with tissue imaging and Next Gen Sequencing, and display an understanding of new and emerging technologies in the space. In addition to performing spatial -omics workflows, the individual will provide technical support for highly specialized equipment and help users troubleshoot technical issues. The ideal candidate is a reliable and highly organized individual who can work independently and collaborate with researchers across many career levels and departments. This position provides the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and contribute to a wide variety of research projects to seek answers to fundamental questions about brain function in health and disease.

Requirements

Ph.D. degree in a biomedical field, preferably neuroscience, genetics, or closely related field
Expert in basic molecular biology lab techniques, including DNA/RNA isolation, cDNA library preparation, PCR
Strong foundation of molecular biology and biochemistry knowledge
Experience with RNA-seq, Next Gen Sequencing technologies
Experience with spatial -omics technologies (e.g., MERSCOPE, Visium, Xenium)
A minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible postdoctoral experience in a relevant research laboratory environment
Publication record commensurate with career stage
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently while being accountable and efficient with time management

Nice To Haves

Experience with analysis of spatial or single cell transcriptomic datasets
Experience with light microscopy (transmitted and/or fluorescent)
Experience with histological tissue preparation (cryosectioning, IHC, tissue staining) and neuroanatomy
Lab management experience

Responsibilities

Perform experiments, simulations, or theoretical investigations. Collect data and evaluate relevance of data. Work independently on basic research tasks with oversight by Faculty or Principal Investigator (PI). Contribute to documentation of equipment and procedures.
Analyze data for relevance and data integrity. Perform basic data analysis techniques. Compare results of scientific investigations to previously published work.
Prepare or assist in the preparation of manuscripts as contributing author for publication. Present results in departmental seminars and at professional meetings.
Contribute to new or continuing research grant proposals to obtain funding for research activities. May serve as co-PI on grants or proposals. Contribute to progress reports required by funding agencies. Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.
Provide service to the scientific community, University and General Public. Review submitted manuscripts and research proposals. Consult and collaborate with the research community. Participate in public outreach activities as required by funding sources. May participate in national and international meetings within the discipline.
Mentor undergraduate or graduate students and technicians. May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff. Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.
Work with investigators to design experiments
Carry out established spatial -omics workflows
May carry out tissue histological preparation as part of spatial -omics workflow (e.g. immunofluorescence, H&E stains)
Prepare cDNA libraries for next-generation sequencing experiments related to spatial -omics workflow
May carry out tissue microscopy imaging experiments as part of spatial -omics workflow
Perform experiments independently based on standard protocols developed by manufacturers, other research staff, or principal investigator of the research project. Develop protocols as needed. Set up and operate research materials/equipment. Read and understand protocols. Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare and carry out experiments to meet overall research goals. Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols. Track progress of research, identify any failure points, troubleshoot, consult with others when necessary/helpful, and ensure continued progress of research to meet goals
Read and review research articles to develop knowledge of the research area and stay up to date on the newest technologies in spatial -omics. As knowledge/skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with other researchers and the core director
Adhere to safety and regulatory guidelines. Assist with ensuring that the working environment and records/documentation are compliant with applicable health and safety regulations. Collate documentation for protocol submissions (IACUC, IBC, etc.) as requested
Keep detailed records of experiments. Present research results to stakeholders. Assist in preparation of written research results for publication
Order and maintain records of drugs/chemical agents and other supplies. Assist in the maintenance of lab equipment, monitoring lab inventory, arranging service contracts, and interfacing with technicians and vendors
Assist students and postdocs with experiments as appropriate

Benefits

Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans

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