50-100%25 Research Assistant - Pulmonary

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

The Research Assistant supports research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing results, and performing operational duties associated with laboratory, animal, or human research. The role includes research activities and experiments; data collection, analysis, and reporting; contributions to manuscripts and publications; administrative and project-management support; facilities and equipment management; and, as skills develop, supervision and staffing responsibilities. The Research Assistant performs research activities based on protocols developed by research staff or the principal investigator, reads and reviews articles, and may develop literature-informed hypotheses for discussion as individual skills develop. The role involves understanding and preparing protocols, setting up and operating research materials or equipment, performing procedures according to protocols, working in varied research environments, following safety and compliance guidelines, and collecting and tracking research data while maintaining data quality. The position also involves maintaining records, preparing report materials, assisting with protocol submissions and compliance documentation, tracking project progress, and supporting equipment maintenance and procurement. As skills develop, responsibilities may expand to include data analysis, troubleshooting and modifying protocols, performing complex techniques, presenting findings, monitoring data integrity, and training or directing employees.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 1 year of experience.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with basic laboratory research techniques, including sample processing, qPCR, ELISA, DNA/RNA extraction, and cell culture techniques.
Comfort working with research animals if needed.

Responsibilities

Perform research activities based on protocols developed by research staff or the principal investigator.
Read and review articles as directed and, as skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with researchers or principal investigators.
Read, understand, arrange, and plan daily activities for research protocols.
Set up and operate research materials or equipment and perform procedures in accordance with protocols.
Perform tasks in research environments such as laboratories, clinics, field settings, or classrooms.
Follow safety and compliance guidelines and quality-assurance protocols.
Collect, record, consolidate, and track data and research progress as directed by the principal investigator.
Maintain the validity and integrity of research data; as skills develop, troubleshoot or propose protocol modifications, perform complex techniques, test procedures, and develop data-integrity monitoring procedures.
Perform data entry, maintain records of methods used, and prepare materials for reports.
As skills develop, analyze data, prepare bibliographies and abstracts, and present results at team or departmental meetings.
Assist with IRB, ACURF, or similar protocol submissions when applicable.
Track project progress indicators and summarize them in reports to the research team.
Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
Assist with the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
Assist with procurement of supplies and materials; may initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts or expenditures, and reconcile statements.
As skills develop, train employees and provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching, and counseling to support achievement of outcomes.