Assistant Research Scientist - Surgical Oncology Lab
The University of Iowa Department of Surgery is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to independently plan and manage research activities in support of the Surgical Oncology Laboratory, under direction of Dr. Vikas Dudeja. Research projects use mouse models and focus on the tumor microenvironment in pancreatic cancer, the role of the gut microbiome in an anti-cancer immune response, and novel therapeutic strategies for pancreatitis.
This position will work with members of the lab and other collaborators to develop and apply advanced analytical techniques, staying abreast of relevant bodies of literature, as well as communicate results in peer-reviewed journals, seminars and professional conferences.
Responsibilities Include:
- Perform experiments, simulations, or theoretical investigations.
- Collect data and evaluate relevance of data.
- Work independently on basic research tasks with oversight by Faculty or Principal Investigator (PI).
- Contribute to documentation of procedures and protocols.
- Propose modifications to experimental techniques and protocols
- Analyze data for relevance and data integrity.
- Evaluate and recommend statistical algorithms for data analysis.
- Perform basic data analysis techniques.
- Implement and optimize computational data analysis procedures.
- Compare results of scientific investigations to previously published work.
- Prepare manuscripts for contributing author for publication.
- Present results in departmental seminars and at professional meetings.
- Contribute to new and continuing research grant proposals to obtain funding for research activities.
- Contribute to progress reports required by funding agencies.
- Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.
- Provide service to the scientific community, University and General Public.
- Review submitted manuscripts and research proposals.
- Consult and collaborate with the research community.
- Participate in public outreach activities as required by funding sources.
- May participate in national and international meetings within the discipline.
- Mentor research assistants and undergraduates
- May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff.
Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.
Pay Grade: 5A - https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/plans
Percent of Time: 100%
Please note: This is a specified term position that will last 24 months. An extension may be reviewed after the initial 24 months but is not guaranteed.
Required Qualifications:
- PhD in a biomedical or health science-related field
- 3-5 years of postdoctoral experience in clinical or laboratory research
- 1 year of experience in immuno-oncological or translational cancer research.
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications
- Experience with laboratory animal experimentation
- Experience setting up, maintaining, and trouble-shooting experimental preparations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desired Qualification:
- Expertise in ex-vivo techniques in cancer biology (e.g., T-cell cytotoxicity, assays, immune cell culture assays, etc.)
- Expertise in multi-color flow cytometry
- Experience maintaining research animal colonies (e.g., breeding, weaning, etc.).
- Experiene with cell culture and other molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, western blotting)
- Demonstrated experience mentoring research staff.
Please attach a resume as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum 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 five (5) professional references may be requested at a later point in the recruitment.
If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.
Please direct questions to Erin Curry at erin-curry@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.
