Research Assistant - Aldridge Lab
This position is a specified term of 12 months. An extension may be considered after the initial 12 months but is not guaranteed.
The University of Iowa Aldridge Lab is seeking at Research Assistant to work on projects meant to further the understanding of neurodegenerative dementia. This position will perform general laboratory maintenance and database maintenance on both human and mouse studies. The individual will be responsible for identifying and consenting clinical research participants, as well as collecting data, calling participants, curating data. Based on research background, performance and interest, additional laboratory tasks may be added as secondary responsibilities (e.g., laboratory maintenance, supply/equipment ordering, compliance, animal experiments, etc.).
Responsibilities Include:
- Mouse and human database management in the laboratory
- Manage an IRB and clinical research project with human subjects, including compliance.
- Consent subjects.
- Call subjects with reminders.
- Collect data from patient charts and add to deidentified registry/database.
- Demonstrate equipment and administer tasks and questionnaires with clinical subjects.
- Basic analysis of data, including quality checks.
- Write research progress reports for each experiment or data collection; assist in data presentation and preparation of papers.
- Perform library research on specified topics; prepare bibliographies and abstracts.
- Procure supplies and equipment; maintain stocks of supplies as needed.
- Instruct students and others in routine research techniques.
- Promote and maintain lab organization and cleaning in both the animal and human laboratory settings.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Pay Grade: 3A - https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay
Percent of Time: 100%
Expected Start: This position is expected to start in Jan/Feb 2025. Alternative start dates may be considered based on discussion between applicant and department.
The Aldridge lab studies the role that pathology and protein misfolding in the cortex plays in the development of symptoms such as hallucinations, loss of smell, dementia, imbalance, fluctuating confusion, and anxiety/depression. The research team uses 2-photon miscrosopy to image neuronal structure (dendritic spines, dendrites, and axons) and function (calcium imaging) over time in living mice to evaluate how alpha-synuclein and other proteins involved in neurodegenerative conditions lead to changes in cortical function.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Neuroscience or Neuroscience-related major (i.e.,
- Biochemistry, Molecular Biology) preferred.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills and impeccable attention to detail
- Professional demeanor and highest ethical standards
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree in biology or psychology.
- Background in human research
- Demonstrable experience supervising or training others in a laboratory setting.
- Programming experience using MATLab or equivalent.
Please attach a resume and cover letter as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 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 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Erin Curry at 319-356-7355 or erin-curry@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.
