Research Assistant, IIHR

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Research Assistant, IIHR will contribute to projects within the Iowa Integrated Network for Science, Information, and Geospatial Health Tracking (Iowa INSIGHT). The assistant will help prepare and implement large sampling campaigns, collect samples in the field and in collaboration with partners, process and analyze samples in the laboratory, process data, and report results to project participants. Additional responsibilities will depend on funding sources, and the assistant will collaborate on other projects as required. This is a one-year specified-term position, and multiple hires are being considered. The role involves conducting research activities under protocols developed by research staff or principal investigators; reviewing scientific literature; preparing for and carrying out research protocols; recruiting and enrolling research subjects; collecting, processing, and analyzing samples; collecting and maintaining data and records; and supporting reporting, compliance, equipment, procurement, and inventory activities. As skills develop, the assistant may take on more advanced protocol, data analysis, presentation, and mentoring responsibilities. The position is a regular salaried role located in Iowa City, Iowa. Candidates must be able to travel throughout Iowa and the surrounding region, including overnight stays, and conduct fieldwork in varied weather and terrain.

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 in the job description.
Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a research environment.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to communicate scientific information effectively to varied audiences.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office 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 conduct 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 and coding languages such as R, Python, and/or SQL for handling, processing, and analyzing 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 articles as directed and, as skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion.
Read and understand protocols; plan daily research activities and prepare and disseminate sample collection kits.
Set up and operate research materials or equipment and perform procedures in accordance with protocols.
Recruit, consent, and enroll research subjects.
Collect, process, and analyze samples in laboratory and field settings.
Adhere to safety, compliance, and Quality Assurance protocols.
Collect, record, consolidate, and enter data, including extracting data from laboratory instrumentation.
Track research activity and sample receipt, processing, and completion; maintain sample logs and records of methods used.
Prepare report materials, including figures, tables, and captions; prepare bibliographies and publication abstracts.
As skills develop, analyze data, troubleshoot and propose protocol modifications, perform complex techniques, evaluate procedures, and develop data-integrity monitoring procedures.
Present results or findings at team and departmental meetings as needed.
Assist with IRB, ACURF, or similar protocol submissions, when applicable.
Track project progress indicators and summarize them in reports to the research team.
Assist with documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
Assist with preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
Assist with procurement of supplies and materials; may initiate purchasing requests, monitor expenditures, and reconcile statements.
Track inventory of materials and supplies needed for research.
As skills develop, may train and provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching, and counseling to students and newer employees.
Collaborate on other projects as required.