Research Assistant - Messingham Dermatology Lab

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

This position with Carver College of Medicine department of Dermatology will work in a team-based environment where this individual will support and perform basic and translational research in a Dermatology lab using a wide array of techniques and approaches to study autoimmune skin diseases.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in basic science or engineering
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Practical laboratory knowledge of standard techniques, including calculation of molar solutions, measuring liquids, weighing chemicals, sterile tissue culture
Previous experience working and performing experiments/assays in a basic science research laboratory

Nice To Haves

Experience with immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and analysis
Experience performing multicolor flow cytometry and data analysis
Expertise in using mouse research models, especially to study immunology and antigen specific immunity
Expression and purification of proteins from bacterial or mammalian cell lines

Responsibilities

Learn and perform all tasks in accordance with laboratory protocols and seek help from laboratory staff when needed.
Assist with general laboratory maintenance, e.g., make buffers and stock solutions, dispose of hazardous waste, keep laboratory clean and organized.
Learn from and assist other laboratory personnel.
Perform experiments as directed under the guidance of the PI.
Participate in the day-to-day planning and timely execution of assays and experiments according to the PI’s goals.
Read topical literature, perform literature searches, identify and discuss relevant findings.
Perform basic and complex procedures and techniques as outlined in protocols assuring fidelity to such.
Troubleshooting of unexpected or flawed data using protocol and testing of alternatives.
Collect samples from the clinical area, process human tissues appropriately, aliquot, and store for later use.
Meet with PI weekly to review progress and discuss future experiments and goals.
Keep neat, well-organized notebook complete with index listing dates, protocols, location of samples, product/lot numbers and electronic file locations.
Present raw or cumulative data at weekly lab meetings.
Learn and utilize appropriate statistical analysis and incorporate into data presentation.
Prepare publication quality figures, tables, and written methods or figure legends, etc.
Assist with adherence to all federal, state and university safety & compliance guidelines. Contribute to maintenance of HPO records.
Assist with shipping of hazardous materials.
General cleaning and maintenance of equipment.
Notify Facilities or appropriate vendors of necessary maintenance or repairs.
Obtain quotes for repair or replacement of equipment.
Participate in training new laboratory personnel in general maintenance and safety, laboratory protocols and procedures, ensure compliance of individuals with laboratory and university training and policies.