Research Assistant

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Stead Family Department of Pediatrics is seeking a highly driven and self-motivated Research Assistant for assistance in our research program. Time will be divided between neighboring research groups in the Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics (Schultz) and the Division of Cardiology (Koenig). The Koenig group studies the immune response to cardiac injury, primarily using mouse models and primary cell culture. Additional projects involve the study of congenital cardiac valve disease using zebrafish and mice as model organisms as well as human tissue. Computational biology techniques are also a core focus of this group. The Schultz group studies a fatal neurovisceral childhood disease called Niemann-Pick type C disease which results from the accumulation of cholesterol in most cells of the body using model systems including but not limited to immortalized cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, neurons, and hepatocytes. This is a specified term appointment.

Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in science, engineering or a related field OR an equivalent combination of education and/or laboratory experience.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
Experience working independently and in a group setting.
Ability to work independently.
Ability to multi-task and excellent time management skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in molecular biology techniques (PCR, qPCR, western blot, immunostaining)
Experience with microscopy and tissue and slide preparation
Experience performing basic statistical tests such as t-Test and ANOVA.
Experience working with laboratory animals.

Responsibilities

Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by principal investigators of the research project.
Order laboratory supplies
Analyze data and generate figures
As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion and project development.
Read and understand protocols and arrange and plan daily activities for experiments.
Collect, record, and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator, and track the progress of research activities.
As individual skills develop troubleshoot, analyze, and propose modifications to protocols.
Assist in management of animal colonies including weaning and genotyping.
Perform molecular biology techniques (immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence, nucleic acid extraction/purification, PCR, qPCR)
Operate brightfield and confocal microscopes to acquire images.
Perform isolation and process animal tissues.
Perform culture of primary animal cells.
Collect and track data, maintain records of methods used, as skills develop, analyze data and generate figures and/or contribute to writing manuscripts.
May present results/findings at team and departmental meetings.
Assist with the procurement of supplies and materials.
Assist with IRB, IACUC or similar protocol submissions.
Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.
Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines and assist in documenting compliance.