Research Assistant-Microbiology and Immunology
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Position Responsibilities |
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 hypotheses for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.
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Perform library and online research on specified topics for use in experimentation.
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Perform experimental studies based on given hypotheses and goals; evaluate and record outcomes of experiments based on hypotheses and goals and submit for investigator’s inspection.
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Assist in the analysis and interpretation of experiments.
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Observe techniques in other laboratories for implementation in our laboratory.
Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations: Read and understand protocols. Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols. Set up and operate research materials or equipment. Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols. Perform varied tasks in the research environment (lab, clinic, field, and classroom). Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines. Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator. Track progress of research activities. Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data. As individual skills develop: troubleshoot, analyze and propose modifications to protocols; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; may present results at team meetings.
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Maintain mouse breeding colonies including
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Genotyping of laboratory mice
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Perform experimental procedures; record and consolidate data.
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Perform in vivo infectious disease research using mouse models.
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Perform molecular biology experiments, including cloning, construction of vectors for gene expression, preparation of DNA for sequencing, and making host and bacterial cell knockouts.
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Participate in mouse necropsies and dissections.
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Maintain cell lines by feeding, splitting/passaging, and cryopreservation/storage.
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Maintain laboratory stocks of pathogens under study.
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Perform flow analyses and cellular and biochemical immunoassays.
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Perform virus titering assays
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Prepare chemical solutions and media according to established protocols and standards, including proper handling and storage of all solid, liquid, and gaseous chemicals and solvents.
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Complete work within specified time guidelines; discuss progress and any problems as needed.
Collect, Analyze, and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts and Publications: Collect and track data in an organized and logical manner, keep data records up to date, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used. Prepare materials for reports. As skills develop, analyze data. Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications. Present results/findings at team and departmental meetings.
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Present research progress at laboratory and journal club meetings.
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Assist in the preparation of manuscripts and grants by organizing data and preparing images, figures, and tables as directed.
Administrative and Project Management: Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
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Assist in completion of required paperwork for new and departing laboratory personnel, including required vaccinations and exposure testing, annual training, radiation safety, biohazard safety, laboratory safety, and fire safety training.
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Assist in maintaining accurate records of laboratory databases (equipment and supplies, reagents, microbial strains and stocks, and animals).
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.
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Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment, including the timely ordering, receiving, and proper storage of supplies and equipment.
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Assist in maintaining general laboratory functionality.
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Maintain a clean work area.
Supervision and Staffing: As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees. Assist in organizing the laboratory to accommodate new personnel and techniques.
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Oversee undergraduate students in successful completion of assigned tasks and research.
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Education Requirements |
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A Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Cell biology, Immunology or Biology.
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Experience Requirements |
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A minimum of 6 months of experience working in a microbiology, immunology or cell biology laboratory or a related field.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Basic knowledge of each of the following:
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General microbiologic techniques, such as culture, storage, and safe handling of pathogenic agents.
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Standard molecular techniques, including PCR, qPCR, plasmid purification, bacterial transformation, agarose gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme analyses, western blotting, and ELISA.
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Handling infectious animal and/or human tissues.
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Mammalian cell culture and sterile techniques.
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Simple flow cytometric analysis.
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Fluorescence microscopy.
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Gathering, recording, and analyzing of experimental data.
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Data analysis and presentation software, such as Microsoft Excel, Prism, Benchling, ExPASy-Bioinformatics Resource Portal, Microsoft Word, and FlowJo.
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Proficiency with each of the following:
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Ability to effectively prioritize projects to consistently meet deadlines.
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Ability to multitask in a fast paced environment.
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Attention to detail and accuracy.
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Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.
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Ability to work in a team.
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Desired Qualifications |
Highly Desirable
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Prior experience with each of the following:
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Handling animals, including but not restricted to IV injections, blood collection, genotyping and performing in vivo experiments with the animals.
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Tissue culture experience.
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Maintaining insect colonies
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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.
