Research Assistant - Neurology

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

13h • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care department of Neurology is looking for a Research Assistant to support the Dr. Qiang (Johnson) Zhang in the Narayanan Laboratory. This fast-paced lab studies the mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. This position is responsible for working with animals and performing aseptic surgery, neurophysiology, optogenetics, and histology. The Narayanan Laboratory is dedicated to working towards new knowledge, biomarkers, and targeted treatments for human brain disease. The lab’s research goal is to map cognitive circuits to identify novel biomarkers and treatments for brain diseases that impair higher-order thought. Studies focus on cortical and basal ganglia circuits defined by dopamine, which is relevant to Parkinson's disease as well as schizophrenia, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s disease. The lab uses a combination of electroencephalography (EEG), neuronal ensemble recordings, optogenetics, brain stimulation, and behavioral neuroscience from rodents to humans.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Degree in relevant field of science, psychology, or neuroscience preferred.
• Knowledge of basic experimental design in animal models and biological psychology/neuroscience.
• Experience with IT infrastructure and standard office software.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including effectively communicating (written and verbally) with vendors, collaborators, and project researchers.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, reliability.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience as a research assistant in a Psychology or Neuroscience lab.
• Basic knowledge and experience with MATLAB coding and/or biological/behavioral data analysis.
• Prior experience with rodent handling and husbandry.

Responsibilities

• Runs mice on operant behavioral tasks.
• Performs drug injections and administers drugs to mice.
• Performs stereotactic surgery, implanting small hardware under aseptic procedures.
• Documents and tracks daily activities.
• Interacts with others, both internal and external to the lab, about studies.
• Works on other projects as deemed appropriate.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level