Research Assistant - Anatomy and Cell Biology (Jones Lab)
This Research Assistant position is in the Jones Laboratory within the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology. The Jones lab investigates the pathophysiology and biology of lung disease in animal and 3D cell culture models, with a particular focus in stem cell biology and tissue regeneration. We use cutting-edge tools such as single cell genomics, epigenomics, high-resolution microscopy, novel transgenic mouse models, and customized bioinformatics pipelines to address our research questions.
This Research Assistant will assist in projects related to the study of lung injury and repair and characterization of new in vivo and in vitro models.
Duties Include:
Research: Execute experimental procedures for the development of animal disease models and in vitro 3D cell culture organoid models of lung disease; perform molecular biology experiments to characterize mouse pulmonary disease models; set up and operate laboratory equipment.
Conduct Experiments: Conduct basic procedures in experimental animals and cell culture systems.
· Assist in mouse lung injury experiments, record, and care of the animals after treatment.
· Collect and process biological samples for assays including but not limited to: RNA and protein analysis, tissue sectioning, staining, and immunohistochemistry, high-resolution microscopy, RNA/ATAC-sequencing, and single-cell genomics.
· Perform genotyping and PCR for animal model characterization
· Perform cell culture, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR
Collect and Analyze Research Data and Prepare Reports: Check progress of research activities, maintain detailed and accurate notes of experimental results. Prepare research data for analysis and assist in research and writing for the publication of manuscripts. Attend weekly lab meetings, giving regular reports.
Facilities and Equipment: Assist in ordering, setting up, and maintaining laboratory equipment. May also contribute to ordering laboratory supplies and reagents.
Supervision/Staffing: Supervision is received from senior research staff.
Positive Impact/Achieving Results: Ability to utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals/needs. Able to demonstrate ethical behavior in diverse situations while producing results.
Service Excellence/Customer Focus: Ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.
Percent of Time: 100%
Salary: $42,392 to commensurate
Pay Grade: 3A - https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/plans
Type of Position: Specified Term. Initial appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.
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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Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in biomedical-related science, cell biology, physiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience in a relevant field of study
- Basic skills in molecular biology and cell biology research
- Experience with bacterial and mammalian cell culture
- Fine motor skills are required for animal tissue collection along with animal handling experience
- Basic computer skills including document formatting and page layout, spreadsheet abilities
Desirable Qualifications
- A minimum of 0.5 years previous research experience in biomedical research lab
- Experience genotyping, cloning, DNA/RNA/protein purification
- Experience in dealing with animals, such collecting tissue samples and tissue sectioning is highly desired
Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a 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. 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. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
For additional questions, please contact Anne Beyerink at anne-phillips@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.
