Assistant Research Scientist/Engineer - Pulmonary
BASIC FUNCTION
Conduct research in the field of mucociliary transport in the airways. Contribute at a high level to the lab and research projects by critically assessing the literature, conducting experiments, collecting, and analyzing results and performing operational and some administrative duties associated with animal and human research projects in the Lung Biology and Cystic Fibrosis Research Center. Experience in basic lab techniques (ELISA, Western, Cell culture, Immunofluorescence) and advanced microscopy techniques (Confocal and routine microscopy) and experience working with large animal models are required. Experience in specialized protocols for survival studies on large animal models and advanced imaging techniques are required. Key areas of responsibilities include conducting research activities/experiments, collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data, preparing reports, contributing to manuscripts/publications, administrative and project management, facilities and equipment management, and supervision/staffing.
DUTIES TO INCLUDE:
To identify and define problems that can be addressed by scientific research. To develop working hypotheses that can be tested.
To perform experiments testing airway host defenses with a specific emphasis on the mechanism of mucociliary transport.
To perform advanced survival experimental procedures on large animal models of disease (experience working with pigs is required).
To investigate and perform critical analysis of current literature to develop novel approaches to measure mucociliary clearance and/or mucociliary transport either independently or in conjunction with the principal investigator and other investigators. These approaches use microscopy imaging or biomedical imaging techniques including dynamic computed tomography (CT), dynamic positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
To write research progress reports; to analyze physiological, biochemical, molecular, and imaging data, and prepare graphs and other illustrations for presentation of research findings; to perform statistical analyses, to judge the validity of data obtained from experimental procedures; to design new experiments.
To prepare manuscripts for publication.
To prepare presentations (posters, seminars and lectures) of the research results.
To train, schedule, assign and evaluate work of support personnel and students in molecular and imaging methods and data analysis.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A Ph.D. in biomedical sciences is required.
4 or more years of postdoctoral training.
At least 5 years of experience working with large animal models is required.
Experience in molecular biological techniques, including DNA and RNA extraction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and qPCR.
Experience in statistical analysis and analysis programs including GraphPad Prism and ImageJ.
Experience in programming including Python and Matlab.
Experience in bioimaging analysis including Slicer3D and ITKSNAP.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Experience performing advanced procedures on large animals such as endotracheal intubation, bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage, surgical tracheostomy, and mechanical ventilation.
Experience creating and maintaining lab databases is required.
Experience in brightfield, fluorescence, and confocal microscopy.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Established track record of scientific productivity (e.g., authorships in peer-reviewed publications).
Excellent organizational and communication skills and ability to work independently.
Willingness to work flexible hours.
Considerable knowledge of pulmonary physiology and pulmonary disorders.
Experience working in an academic research institution environment is highly 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.
