Research Associate - Hayes Lab

University of Iowa • Iowa City, IA

19h • Onsite

About The Position

University of Iowa Health Care, Department of & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100%25 Research Associate (PRK2; 4A). The Research Associate—Hayes Lab (PRK2; 4A) will conduct preclinical vision science research in a collaborative environment under the direct supervision of Dr. Michael Hayes. The Research Associate will contribute to projects aimed at elucidating disease mechanisms and identification of novel treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases affecting the visual system. This includes work in immortalized human cell lines, human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived tissue(s), and murine (animal) models. The laboratory’s current focus includes autoimmune mediated optic neuritis; and genetic, traumatic, and environmental exposure (toxin) associated optic neuropathies. The successful candidate is expected to work independently and in collaboration with students, scientists, and clinicians with varied expertise.
University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or other biological science, or an appropriate combination of education and years of experience working in an academic research environment.
• Prior laboratory experience in a research/clinical setting.
• Experience with tissue culture and molecular biology techniques
• Experience working with small animals such as rats or mice including: neurobehavioral assessment, visual system measurement, and endpoint tissue collection/histopathologic analysis (e.g., tissue dissection, fixation, and post-fixation processing such as frozen, paraffin, and epon embedding; cryo- and paraffin-sectioning; immunofluorescence; and brightfield, epifluorescence, and confocal microscopy).
• Strong organizational skills, with excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated experience in manuscript preparation and oral/poster presentations.
• Proficiency with computer software including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel as well as Adobe Acrobat.
• Knowledge of medical and scientific terminology.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with molecular cloning
• Experience culturing primary and/or immortalized cells.
• Experience in image (e.g., FIJI/ImageJ, Photoshop) and statistical analysis (GraphPad Prism, SPSS, and/or R)

Responsibilities

• Design, perform, and analyze data related to translational research studies involving human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived tissue(s).
• Aid in development and implementation of murine models of neurodegeneration including neurobehavioral (e.g., rotarod and gate analysis) and visual system measures, survival surgery, and endpoint histopathologic analysis.
• Maintenance and characterization (e.g., light and fluorescent microscopy) of cultured cells—including immortalized, primary, and induced pluripotent stem cell lines. Responsibilities will include cellular reprogramming, 2D and 3D differentiation of visual pathway cells and glia, and assembly of multiple tissue-types into higher order structures.
• Application of molecular biology techniques such as DNA and RNA purification, molecular cloning, (rt)PCR, electrophoresis, ELISA, Western blotting, and Sanger sequencing.
• Apply experience in image (e.g., FIJI/ImageJ, Photoshop) and statistical analysis (GraphPad Prism, SPSS, and/or R).
• Work independently and in collaboration with team members to accomplish research tasks, and train incoming laboratory personnel.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to day-to-day lab tasks (e.g., maintenance of laboratory cell, animal, and reagents inventories).
• Actively participate in preparation of reports, manuscripts, and presentations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level