Asst Research Scientist/Engin - MORL

UIOWA•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 and specialized research focused on genetic deafness, including autosomal recessive and dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss, phenotype-genotype relationships, novel gene discovery, gene therapy, and the contribution of genetics to age-related hearing loss. The role evaluates genetic data to determine genotype-phenotype correlations and develops methods to identify novel disease-causing loci. The individual independently secures funding, conducts experiments, analyzes data, and disseminates findings through publications and presentations, working on research tasks with oversight from a Principal Investigator. The position includes conducting in vivo and molecular experiments, such as cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and viral vector injections in rodent models; evaluating data integrity and relevance; identifying research problems; contributing to protocols; and documenting equipment and procedures. Duties also include analyzing and comparing research results with published work; preparing publications and presentations; representing the research group at professional meetings; maintaining relationships with sponsors and institutions; and managing research projects, resources, and staff. The role involves mentoring graduate students, medical residents, and research assistants; providing functional and/or administrative supervision; and overseeing adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary. The successful candidate is also expected to maintain effective working relationships, support service and quality improvement, pursue professional development, and train investigators and support staff.

Requirements

Doctorate in molecular biology, genetics, or an equivalent professional degree such as DDS or DVM.
At least 3 years of postdoctoral relevant laboratory experience in hearing genetics or a related field.
Ability to plan and execute a research study through 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 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, RTqPCR, 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

Interrogate genetic regions associated with autosomal recessive and dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss using in vivo and molecular experiments, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and viral vector injections in rodent models.
Collect and evaluate data for integrity, relevance, and relation to research questions.
Define outstanding research problems and contribute to protocol development.
Work independently on research tasks under the oversight of a Principal Investigator.
Document equipment and procedures; develop research protocols and obtain support for new or continuing research activities.
Analyze data using basic techniques and compare findings with previously published work.
Prepare research findings for publication in reports, papers, journals, books, and other media.
Prepare seminars, discussions, and lectures; represent the research group at professional meetings.
Maintain liaison with sponsoring agencies, organizations, and research and educational institutions.
Manage all or part of research projects, including staff selection and scheduling, project funds, data generation and analysis, and acquisition and use of equipment and facilities.
Participate in setting research priorities and planning research programs.
Maintain effective working relationships and represent University and unit leadership interests in the use of resources to meet service and productivity goals.
Pursue professional development and train investigators and support staff through continuing education.
Mentor graduate students, medical residents on research rotations, and research assistants from the lab or collaborating labs.
Provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff and supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.