Core Facility Research Assist - Iowa Neuroscience Institute
The Core Facility Research Assistant will assist in and perform cutting edge research on the neural circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying brain function in health and disease. This position will provide research support for the broader University of Iowa neuroscience community through the Neural Circuits and Behavior Core facility, which is part of the Iowa Neuroscience Institute.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Specialized Services/ Application of Research Protocols: Perform the standard operating procedures required to execute the services provided by a core research facility. Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by Core Directors or other core staff. Work with other core facility staff or facility director in using the core facility's specialized equipment or services. Assist with collecting and disseminating data by operating the facility's instrumentation, equipment, performing specialized services for researchers and assist with performing complex procedures and techniques. Operate facility instrumentation or equipment, evaluate data quality, and document results. As individual skills develop, may propose modifications to protocols and/or assist in the design of experiment protocols based on specialized knowledge and expertise.
Literature Review/ Data Analysis: Read and review articles as directed by senior staff or the director for the purposes of improving the quality of the service. Assist in performing data analysis for researchers using specialized data analysis software in a form useful for further statistical analysis or publication. May assist in interpreting experimental data.
Educate, Train and Consult: Assist in providing education, training, and consultation to core facility users on highly specialized equipment or technology. May assist in providing advice and guidance in either self-service or full-service core facility.
Facilities, Equipment and Information Management: Assist in the preparation, calibration and maintenance of core lab and specialized core facility equipment.
Administrative and Financial Responsibility for Fee for Service Operation: Maintain clear and accurate documentation of the protocols, instrumentation logs, and/or data collected by the core. Initiate purchases of supplies and inventory for facility. May assist with the administrative duties necessary for a fee-for-service facility operation such as collecting and/or entering facility billing data. Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
Human Resources/ Supervision: May train, provide direction, assignments, feedback of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.
Position Responsibilities
· Performing mouse behavioral experiments
· May perform histological and microscopy experiments
· May assist with transgenic mouse line maintenance
· Ordering and setting up laboratory equipment
· Interacting with sales representatives
· Basic lab management and participating in other research experiments
· Record, organize, and present laboratory data at lab meetings. Assist in preparing data for publications and grant proposals.
· Develop and maintain knowledge of the field through familiarity with the scientific literature and attendance of internal and external meetings and conferences.
Percent of Time: 100%
Staff Type: Professional & Scientific
Pay Grade: 3A - https://hr.uiowa.edu/professional-pay/compensation-plan-structure-a-FY18
Benefits Highlights
- Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
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Education Requirements
· Requires the academic knowledge of a discipline in the biological or psychological sciences plus the ability to apply and adapt this knowledge generally associated with a Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, such that one can perform beginning level of research in a natural or health science field or discipline.
Experience Requirements
· Experience with animal handling/husbandry
· Excellent organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail
· Excellent written and verbal communication skills
· Ability to work well both independently and in a team setting
· Self-motivated and driven to learn new skills and techniques
· Experience with Microsoft Excel or other data analysis software
Desired Qualifications
· Knowledge of neuroscience concepts
· One to two years’ experience in a laboratory research setting.
· Experience with data analysis/statistics/programming
· Experience working with mice or other rodents.
· Experience with molecular biology lab techniques such as PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.
· Experience with breeding and genotyping genetically modified mice
· Experience working with performing animal surgical techniques or other tasks requiring manually dexterity
Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a CV or resume, and cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
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.
The department intends to hire for one position from either Core Facility Research Assistant, requisition 25005491 or Core Facility Research Professional, requisition 25005492 based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please apply to the specific position for which you wish to be considered.
For questions on this position please reach out to Anne Beyerink, anne-phillips@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.
