Assistant Research Scientist - Surgical Oncology Lab

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

The University of Iowa Department of Surgery is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to independently plan and manage research activities in support of the Surgical Oncology Laboratory, under direction of Dr. Vikas Dudeja. Research projects use mouse models and focus on the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer, the role of the gut microbiome in an anti-cancer immune response, and novel therapeutic strategies for pancreatitis. This position will work with members of the lab and other collaborators to develop and apply advanced analytical techniques, staying abreast of relevant bodies of literature, as well as communicate results in peer-reviewed journals, seminars and professional conferences.

Requirements

PhD in a biomedical or health science-related field
3-5 years of postdoctoral experience in clinical or laboratory research
1 year of experience in immuno-oncological or translational cancer research.
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications
Experience with laboratory animal experimentation
Experience setting up, maintaining, and trouble-shooting experimental preparations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Expertise in ex-vivo techniques in cancer biology (e.g., T-cell cytotoxicity, assays, immune cell culture assays, etc.)
Expertise in multi-color flow cytometry
Experience maintaining research animal colonies (e.g., breeding, weaning, etc.).
Experiene with cell culture and other molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, western blotting)
Demonstrated experience mentoring research staff.

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 procedures and protocols.
Propose modifications to experimental techniques and protocols
Analyze data for relevance and data integrity.
Evaluate and recommend statistical algorithms for data analysis.
Perform basic data analysis techniques.
Implement and optimize computational data analysis procedures.
Compare results of scientific investigations to previously published work.
Prepare manuscripts for contributing author for publication.
Present results in departmental seminars and at professional meetings.
Contribute to new and continuing research grant proposals to obtain funding for research activities.
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 research assistants and undergraduates
May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff.
Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.