Core Facility Rsrch Specialist

The Neural Circuits and Behavior Core facility, a part of the Iowa Neuroscience Institute, was established to provide research support for the broader University of Iowa neuroscience community.  The Neural Circuits and Behavior Core Facility Research Specialist supports the daily operation of scientific services in the Neural Circuits and Behavior Core. The Core Facility Research Specialist plays a key role in this aim by participating in the design and execution of cutting-edge research on the neural circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying brain function in health and disease and overseeing certain aspects of the day-to-day operation of the core facility. The role involves mouse behavioral experiments, imaging, neurophysiology, and human studies. This position works closely with the Core Director to achieve the operational goals of the core.

Position Responsibilities

Research/User Support:

• Provides advanced training and education of Core users on the use of Core equipment, experimental procedures, and appropriate data analysis of collected data
• Performs experiments on core equipment for user projects
• Provides direction, feedback, and assistance to Core users on the execution of their experiments (if needed), to assure fidelity to protocols and the validity/integrity of research data, and recommends improvements
• Consults with users on “best practices” for statistical data analysis and assists with advanced data analysis of user data using specialized data analysis software if needed
• Assists users with preparation of research papers by reviewing methods and results sections. May contribute to research papers as co-author
• Monitors Core use/users to assure compliance with UI policies and procedures (including IACUC, OAR, EHS, and OSHA)

Protocol Development and Research Responsibilities:

• Develops and maintains a knowledge of the field through familiarity with the scientific literature and attendance of internal and external meetings and conferences
• Adapts, creates, and tests “best practice” research protocols based on careful review of the literature, consultation with other Core facilities, and the communicated needs of UI Core users
•  Performs experiments to advance the research interests of the Core and to produce reference databases
• Performs appropriate statistical analysis of data using “best practice” methodology and guidelines. Records, organizes, and presents laboratory data at lab meetings.  Prepares data for publications, grant proposals, and presentation at local/national meetings.

Facility Administration, Coordination, and Maintenance:

• Conducts daily management and maintenance of Core functions and activities as well as Core facilities and use
• Creates and maintains Core usage data
• Serves as a facility liaison to both internal and external stakeholders and agencies (IACUC, OAR, EHS, OSHA, etc.)
•  Supervises and trains research assistants, research interns, or undergraduate students as needed/appropriate. Participates in hiring staff and managing staff performance
• Coordinates and manages Core facility equipment (troubleshooting, testing, maintenance/calibration, acquisition, and removal). Interacts with outside vendors for purchases, budgets, and maintenance information on Core equipment
• Maintains facility computers and software
• Assists with facility billing and purchasing. Tracks supplies and is responsible for stocking supplies as needed for the Core lab/facility. 

Regulatory Guidelines and Documents:

• ·        Prepares, maintains, and submits research protocols/amendments to IACUC
• ·        Manages and organizes regulatory documentation
• ·        Monitors compliance of regulatory guidelines and proper maintenance of documents