Research Assistant, IIHR

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant will contribute to projects within the Iowa Integrated Network for Science, Information, and Geospatial Health Tracking (Iowa INSIGHT). The role supports large sampling campaigns through campaign preparation and implementation, sample collection in the field and in collaboration with partners, laboratory sample processing and analysis, data processing, and reporting results to project participants. Additional responsibilities will depend on funding sources, and the assistant will collaborate on other projects as needed. This is a one-year specified-term position, and the University is considering multiple hires. The assistant performs research activities using protocols developed by research staff or principal investigators. Duties span planning and preparing research activities, operating equipment, recruiting and enrolling research subjects, collecting and processing samples in laboratory and field settings, maintaining data quality and records, and assisting with reports, regulatory submissions, safety compliance, equipment, supplies, and inventory. As skills develop, the assistant may take on more complex analyses and procedures, contribute to protocol development and data integrity monitoring, present findings, and provide guidance to students or newer employees. The position is a regular salaried role at pay level 3A, located in Iowa City, Iowa. Applicants must provide a resume and cover letter. Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and credential and education verification, and five professional references will be requested later in the process.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, environmental engineering, public health, or a closely related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Six months to one year of experience performing duties similar to those described in the job description.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate in a research environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate scientific information to varied audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite software.
Ability to travel throughout Iowa and the surrounding region, including overnight stays and driving in inclement weather.
Valid driver’s license and continued compliance with University of Iowa Fleet Safety Program driving standards.
Ability to perform fieldwork in hot, cold, or wet weather; walk or hike long distances, potentially over rough terrain; and lift or carry awkward and/or heavy items.
Prior experience working in a research laboratory setting.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in chemistry, environmental engineering, public health, or a closely related discipline.
Prior experience with ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, or other environmental analytical instrumentation used for trace analysis.
Experience working with large datasets, including use of R, Python, and/or SQL to handle, process, and analyze datasets.
Experience working on externally funded projects.
Experience with ESRI ArcGIS software.
Experience with education and outreach activities.

Responsibilities

Perform research activities according to protocols developed by research staff or principal investigators; read and review assigned articles.
Plan daily research activities and prepare and distribute sample collection kits.
Set up and operate research materials and equipment, and perform procedures in accordance with protocols.
Recruit, consent, and enroll research subjects.
Collect, process, and analyze samples in laboratory and field settings, including through collaboration with project partners.
Follow safety, compliance, and Quality Assurance guidelines to preserve the validity and integrity of research data.
Collect, record, consolidate, and enter data, including extracting data from laboratory instrumentation; track research progress and sample receipt, processing, and completion.
Maintain up-to-date sample logs and records of methods used.
Prepare report materials, including figures, tables, and captions; prepare bibliographies and abstracts; and report results to project participants and research teams.
Assist with IRB, ACURF, or similar protocol submissions when applicable, and document compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
Track project progress indicators and summarize them in reports to the research team.
Assist with laboratory and facility equipment preparation, calibration, and maintenance.
Assist with procurement of supplies and materials; may initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts and expenditures, and reconcile statements.
Track inventory of materials and supplies needed for research activities.
As skills develop, analyze literature and data; troubleshoot and propose protocol modifications; perform complex techniques; evaluate procedures; and develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity.
May present results at team and departmental meetings.
As skills develop, may train and provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching, and counseling to students and newer employees.
Collaborate on other projects as required by project needs and funding.