Research Assistant - Pediatric Infectious Diseases

University of Iowa•Iowa City, IA

12h•Onsite

About The Position

The research assistant will be responsible for designing, performing, and analyzing experiments related to fungal pathogenesis and antifungal drug discovery. The successful applicant will perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project. Collect and track data, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used. Prepare materials for abstracts/reports/grant applications & manuscripts.

Requirements

Requires a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in related of microbiology or pathology or equivalent combination of education and experience.
12-24 months experience in microbiology related biomedical research.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including maintaining excellent lab notes and records.
Experience in basic molecular biology techniques, DNA for sequencing, western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, CRISPR-Cas9 methods.
Experience basic microbiological sterile technique, antifungal susceptibility testing fractional inhibitory concentration determination for antifungal drugs.
Experience with DNA transformations of Candida albicans and mutant generation.

Nice To Haves

Genetic engineering of Candida albicans.
Experience with other fungi such as Aspergillus fumigatus.
Data analysis with PRISM and ability to manage and analyze large data sets such as sequencing data.
Library generation for DNA sequencing.
Willingness to participate in mouse-based experiments of fungal infection and immune responses.

Responsibilities

Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by senior research staff or principal investigator of the research project.
As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypothesis for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.
Read and understand protocols.
Troubleshoot and analyze protocols; propose modifications to other researchers or principal investigator.
Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for experimental protocols.
Perform experimental procedures assuring fidelity to protocols; record and consolidate data as directed by Principal Investigator (PI) and project leader.
Analyze data. Track progress/success of research project.
Present results at lab meetings; develop and monitor quality controls.
Collect, track, and perform data entry for reports.
Prepare materials for reports.
Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications.
Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines
Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment, including washing glassware, media preparation, and strain collection inventory.
Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.
May train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.
Participate in animal experiments to evaluate efficacy of antifungal molecules.