Research Assistant
The Department of Otolaryngology seeks a Research Assistant to perform research in the area of complement mediated renal diseases, perform clinical testing as a member of the CDS renal team and perform research and development. The Research Assistant will work with frozen serum and plasma samples received into the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories – Clinical Diagnostics Services (MORL CDS) for Functional and Biomarker testing. The RA will perform sample accessioning, aliquoting, perform assays, report results, maintain inventory and quality management for the CDS.
Percent Time: 100%
Primary duties to include:
Research:
Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.
Read and review articles as directed.
As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypothesis for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.
Conduct Experiments:
Read and understand protocols.
Conduct sample recording, pre-analytical sample handling and sample inventory and storages
Conduct biochemical assay such as ELISAs, immunoelectrophoresis, complement activity assay and other functional assays
Calibrate and operate laboratory equipment including thermocyclers, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers.
Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for experimental protocols.
As individual skills develop perform complex techniques as outlined in research protocols and test and evaluate current procedures.
Set up and operate equipment for experiments.
Perform experimental procedures assuring fidelity to protocols; record and consolidate data as directed by Technical Supervisor (TS) and/or Principal Investigator (PI).
Track progress/success of research project. Review QA (quality assessment) with TS periodically.
As skills develop may present results at lab and/or group meetings.
As skills develop, develop and monitor quality controls.
Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications:
Collect, track, and perform data entry for reports.
Prepare materials for reports.
Managing large data sets and maintaining highly organized and detailed research records.
As skills develop, analyze data.
Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications.
Administrative and Project Management:
Perform a variety of routine tasks related to the recruitment, enrollment and monitoring of research subjects or to the research environment (lab, clinic, field, classroom).
Obtain subject consent and assist with IRB submissions or equivalent protocol, if applicable.
Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
Facilities and Equipment Management:
Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.
May initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts/expenditures; reconcile statements.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Demonstrated experience with ELISA or protein electrophoresis is required.
Experience with relational databases, such as Filemaker Pro, is required.
Experience with data analysis using software such as GraphPad Prism, or R is required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with serum or plasma handling is desirable.
Experience with complement assays is desirable.
Knowledge of Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) standards 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 14 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/affirmative action employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action 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, gender identity, 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.
