Research Specialist - Urology

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

About The Position

The Department of Urology at the University of Iowa Health Care seeks a highly motivated Research Specialist to play a pivotal role in building the lab infrastructure, implementing organoid culture protocols, and performing functional and molecular assays. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a leading research group in Switzerland and contribute to cutting-edge bladder cancer research with direct clinical impact. Position Responsibilities Coordinate the conduct of experimental tests and plan the processing and analyses of research data obtained. Process patient-derived bladder tumor tissue for PDO generation and cryopreservation Perform organoid culture, maintenance, and expansion using advanced 3D culture systems Conduct chemosensitivity testing using viability and apoptosis assays Prepare samples for RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and ctDNA analysis. Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records to ensure data integrity. Perform critical analyses of literature relevant to research undertaken. Write research progress reports, including summarizing test results for participating investigator; assist in the preparation of research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at conferences and workshops, and in the writing of project reports, grant applications, articles and other documents. Partner with an international lab(s) to implement and refine protocols. Work closely with clinical teams for timely tissue acquisition and sample tracking. Assist in the establishment of test controls, criteria and research standards; design and oversee the construction of necessary equipment; and develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods and make recommendations for their utilization. Develop and maintain SOPs for tissue processing, organoid culture, and downstream assays. Establish and maintain the overall function and organization of the organoid and molecular biology laboratory facility including equipment selection, ordering, maintenance and setup, procurement of supplies and maintenance of inventory. Provide training on basic lab techniques and protocols. Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to ensure outcomes are achieved. May participate in hiring staff and managing the performance of staff to ensure staff is compliant with UI policies and procedures.

Requirements

Master's degree or a Bachelors degree in Microbiology with > 5 years of appropriate experience, is required.
Minimum 3 years experience in mammalian cell and tissue culture.
Minimum 3 years experience in laboratory methods in cell biology.
Familiarity with tissue handling and molecular biology workflows.
Demonstrated experience in laboratory ordering and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements for chemical safety and animal use.
Demonstrated supervisory experience of students and lab assistants.
Demonstrated experience maintaining accurate records within laboratory databases.
Demonstrated experience managing and maintaining equipment and facilities.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated experience working with Office computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access databases); use of these programs to prepare data for presentation.
Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with organoid culture systems (tumor or normal tissue).
Knowledge of bladder cancer biology or urologic oncology.
Experience with molecular assays (PCR, immunostaining, sequencing); bioinformatics familiarity is a plus.

Responsibilities

Coordinate the conduct of experimental tests and plan the processing and analyses of research data obtained.
Process patient-derived bladder tumor tissue for PDO generation and cryopreservation
Perform organoid culture, maintenance, and expansion using advanced 3D culture systems
Conduct chemosensitivity testing using viability and apoptosis assays
Prepare samples for RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and ctDNA analysis.
Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records to ensure data integrity.
Perform critical analyses of literature relevant to research undertaken.
Write research progress reports, including summarizing test results for participating investigator; assist in the preparation of research papers and manuscripts for publication and presentation at conferences and workshops, and in the writing of project reports, grant applications, articles and other documents.
Partner with an international lab(s) to implement and refine protocols.
Work closely with clinical teams for timely tissue acquisition and sample tracking.
Assist in the establishment of test controls, criteria and research standards; design and oversee the construction of necessary equipment; and develop and test experimental designs, sampling techniques, and analytical methods and make recommendations for their utilization.
Develop and maintain SOPs for tissue processing, organoid culture, and downstream assays.
Establish and maintain the overall function and organization of the organoid and molecular biology laboratory facility including equipment selection, ordering, maintenance and setup, procurement of supplies and maintenance of inventory.
Provide training on basic lab techniques and protocols.
Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to ensure outcomes are achieved.
May participate in hiring staff and managing the performance of staff to ensure staff is compliant with UI policies and procedures.