Research Assistant - Guyer Lab, Pediatric Surgery

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant (RA) supports Dr. Richard Guyer’s laboratory by performing basic research activities with fish and/or rodent models of tissue development and tumor biology, as well as cell culture systems. Dr. Guyer’s lab is interdisciplinary (i.e., cancer research, cell development, and transcriptional regulation) and studies how aberrant development leads to pediatric solid tumors, particularly neuroblastoma. This is a specified term position that will last 12 months, with a potential for extension.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience in a medical or biological research laboratory environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, etc.)
Basic knowledge of cell culture techniques, including sterile technique
Basic knowledge of standard molecular techniques, including PCR, qPCR, plasmid purification, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting

Nice To Haves

Degree in biological sciences preferred.
Experience with laboratory animal (fish and/or rodent) handling.
Hands-on experience with DNA/RNA techniques (i.e., DNA/RNA isolation and PCR experiments)
Hands-on experience with Protein techniques (i.e., protein isolation, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence)
Experience with bioinformatic datasets, analysis, and coding (e.g., R, Python, Bash scripting, etc.)

Responsibilities

Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.
Manage animal colony including breeding, back-crossing, weaning, animal identification, and genotyping. Genotyping will include sample collection, DNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and gel interpretation. Other tasks may include plasmid purification, Western blotting, DNA/RNA isolation, immunohistochemistry, etc. Animal management may require early morning and/or weekend duties as needed.
Read and understand protocols.
Set up and operate research materials or equipment.
Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
Collect, record, and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.
Track progress of research activities.
Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data.
Troubleshoot, analyze and propose modifications to protocols; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; present results at group meetings.
Perform data entry, data analysis, and graphical data display.
Prepare materials for reports, bibliographies, and/or abstracts for publications. Present results/findings at group and departmental meetings.
Assist with ACURF or similar protocol submissions.
Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.
May initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts/expenditures; reconcile statements.
As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees.