Asst Research Scientist - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - DeMali Lab

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

12h

About The Position

This position requires collaborative work among across three research laboratories with the shared mission to elucidate mechanisms for how cells respond to force. The person in this position is responsible for the generation and interpretation of experimental data using techniques commonly used in the fields of cell biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Intermittent assistance with training students and maintenance of laboratory equipment is also part of the position duties. Key to this position is the demonstrated ability to work independently in the design, development, optimization and carrying out of experimental procedures, and conducting data analysis.

Requirements

• Requires the academic knowledge of a scientific discipline plus the ability to translate, adapt, and apply the knowledge that is generally associated with a PhD in a biomedical science field.
• At least five years of experience working with laboratory mammalian cell culture and mice, such that one can perform high-level research in a natural or health science field or discipline is required.
• Demonstrated record of scientific discovery by first authorship on manuscripts
• Experience in high resolution imaging using light microscopy
• Experience in protein isolation and western blot analysis
• Experience testing protein function in cells and mice
• Experience managing colonies of research mice
• Experience working with cell culture model systems
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required
• Experience in written and oral data presentation

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the fundamental principles of metabolism, mitochondrial biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology
• Experience working with recombinant viral vectors
• Ability to provide technical instruction and mentorship to laboratory members of the team
• Ability to work independently

Responsibilities

• Successfully uses quantitative research to prove and disprove theories in multiple applications.
• Shows others how to derive accurate conclusions based on quantitative trials.
• Communicates recommendations based on research clearly and convincingly.
• Analyzes published research reports and their possible implications.
• Interprets new findings and analyzes their validity.
• Implements research analysis standards within the organization.
• Controls the quality of research analysis.
• Advises on advanced research analysis methods.
• Identifies the best way to distill analyses and present findings.
• Articulates the arguments for and against multiple courses of action.
• Diagnoses data elements as important or unimportant (“signal” or “noise”).
• Masters new concepts with little supervision.
• Develop and implement research plan either independently or in conjunction with other investigators.
• Conduct complex research in a specialized discipline.
• Develop, troubleshoot and formulate protocols and hypotheses in a specialized field/discipline.
• Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports: Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications
• Contribute at a high level to the lab/research project as evidenced by documented recognition in publications as an author or technical assistance.
• May independently write papers, manuscripts, grant applications, and publish.
• Develop new methodology and techniques related to the area of research.
• Develop the statistical analysis plan and oversee its implementation.
• Perform complex statistical analysis of data using advanced statistical methods and tools.
• Perform quantitative data analysis and summarize results.
• Present at local and national meetings.
• Generation and usage of mammalian cell lines and rodent models
• High resolution imaging of cells using light microscopy
• Protein isolation and western blot analysis
• Conduct metabolic assays, especially of mitochondrial function
• Rodent handling and colony maintenance
• Analyze and interpret data and determine the statistical significance results. Keep detailed laboratory notebooks recording experimental data and analyses and present these findings at periodic lab meetings. Recommend further experiments and/or changes in procedures
• Perform literature searches on topics studied, prepare research materials for reports, and assist in the preparation of papers for publication.
• Train other personnel in laboratory best practices

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees