70% Research Assistant - Immunology
BASIC FUNCTION
Provide support for the general operations of the diagnostic and research divisions of the VA Diagnostic Immunology Lab. Support includes conducting high complexity Lab Developed Tests (LDTs), collecting and analyzing results and performing operational duties associated with the laboratory (bench and field). Key areas of responsibilities include conducting testing of human samples, collecting, analyzing and summarizing data, preparing reports, administrative and project management, facilities and equipment management, and supervision/staffing.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Research:
Perform research activities in the VA Diagnostic Immunology Lab.
Research literature as requested.
Adapt and perform protocols from the literature.
Critically review literature for the purposes of furthering the research and developing new hypotheses in conjunction with the principal investigator
Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:
Perform basic and complex procedures and techniques as outlined in laboratory protocols, assure fidelity to protocols, may propose modifications to protocols and/or assist in the design of new protocols.
Perform cytotoxicity assays. Use 51-Cr-release assays to examine natural killer (NK) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity.
Examine augmentation of cytotoxicity by short- and long-term culture with various cytokines or cells.
Perform proliferation assays. Use 3H-labelled thymidine to assess the response of T lymphocytes to various mitogens and antigens.
Understand the clinical tests performed and respond to questions from ordering physicians.
Facilitate the collection of patient samples from clinical blood draw (phlebotomy) areas and from inpatient floors.
Interact with ordering physicians and phlebotomy teams at the University of Iowa and VA in a collegial and professional manner.
Travel between the University of Iowa and VA to collect samples.
Maintain adequate knowledge of basic tissue culture techniques.
Perform sterile technique in a tissue culture hood, maintain cell lines in vitro, and formulate and prepare required media for normal and transformed cells.
Maintain adequate knowledge of tissue culture techniques of lymphocyte function.
Purify lymphocyte subsets using differential centrifugation techniques, dispense lymphocytes and immunologic reagents into microtiter culture plates for proliferation and differentiation assays, and harvest cell cultures for readouts of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Perform LUMINEX and bioassays for measuring cytokine levels in various samples including human samples
Stimulate lymphocytes with various agents for various periods of time followed by examining the supernatant for cytokine levels using LUMINEX and bioassays.
Process and stain cells for flow cytometry analysis.
Process and stain cells with fluorochrome-tagged antibodies for single and multiple color surface marker analysis.
Run these samples on flow cytometry instruments and analyze the data.
Perform the above tests on clinical samples obtained from patients.
Prepare and follow test protocols according to clinical standards.
Obtain and prepare blood and lymphocytes from patients and appropriate controls.
Perform designated tests on these clinical samples.
Troubleshoot, analyze, and develop modifications to protocols.
Perform complex techniques per protocol.
Monitor, test and evaluate current procedures.
Adhere to laboratory safety requirements. Understand and adhere to Universal Precaution Procedures in work with human material.
Attend required meetings on laboratory safety procedures.
Identify and adhere to Quality Assurance practices to maintain validity and integrity of research data. Employee must initially pass the required proficiency tests and routinely pass the proficiency tests every six months.
Apply new methods/theories.
Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications:
Calculate the obtained data and prepare standard forms for clinical reports.
Collect, record, and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.
Maintain accurate and accessible records per the requirements for certification by the College of American Pathologists (C.A.P.), or the Joint Commission, or the FDA regarding high complexity Lab Developed Tests (LDTs). These include records of all cell cultures, lymphocyte separations, microtiter culture setups, proliferation and differentiation assays, antibody purification, flow cytometric analyses, LUMINEX determinations, data obtained and reports of clinical samples.
Ensure that laboratory records of subjects are maintained in a confidential and secure manner.
Develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity.
Assist in the design of manuals and forms.
Assist in preparing publications.
May contribute to the technical writing of papers, manuscripts, and published materials as evidenced by documented recognition.
Present results/findings at team meetings; may present at local and national meetings.
Administrative and Project Management:
Make recommendations regarding the validity of research subjects and data.
Submit routine IRB or similar protocol submissions.
Responsible for safety programs by following guidelines and maintaining required documentation in support of safety programs.
Facilities and Equipment Management:
Coordinate and manage equipment and facilities.
Set up and operate materials or equipment.
Perform scheduled maintenance on laboratory equipment. Work with service technicians to repair failed equipment.
Maintain records of all equipment maintenance.
Maintain inventory of laboratory chemicals, biological supplies, cryopreserved cell lines, and immunologic reagents.
Maintain confidential records of subjects.
Monitor environmental risks and quality control.
Test new equipment and troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment failures and repairs.
Coordinate software licenses as necessary to complete projects.
Supervision/Staffing:
Provide ongoing training on basic and new lab techniques and protocols for employees.
Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to track progress and assure outcomes are achieved.
May participate in hiring staff and managing their performance to assure staff is compliant with UI policies and procedures.
Required Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, such as Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint is required.
- Must initially pass the required proficiency tests and routinely pass the proficiency tests every six months.
Desirable Qualifications:
- 1 year of direct lab experience is desired.
- Experience using LUMINEX is desired.
- Understanding of immunology principles is desirable.
- Experience in quality control/quality assessment of equipment, procedures, and tests is desirable.
- Ability to perform data collection, reporting, and analysis is desirable.
- Experience preparing buffer solution and common molecular biological reagents is desirable.
- Experience using flow cytometry is desirable.
- Experience using radioactive materials and biohazard regents is desirable.
- Experience using a microscope is desirable.
Position and Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact ashley-rayer@uiowa.edu.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
