Research Assistant - Microbiology and Immunology (Weber Lab)
This Research Assistant position is in the laboratory of Dr. Mary Weber in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology it is needed to assist with cutting-edge research aimed at understanding how Chlamydia trachomatis and Orientia tsutsugamushi secretion system effector proteins subvert host cell processes. This will employ molecular, cellular, biochemical, and genetic techniques.
Key Areas of Responsibility:
Research: Perform research activities in a specialized area. Research literature as requested. Adapt and perform protocols from the literature. Critically review literature for the purposes of furthering the research and developing hypotheses in conjunction with other investigators.
Experiment, Investigations, Evaluations: Perform basic and complex procedures and techniques as outlined in research protocol, assure fidelity to protocols may propose modifications to protocols and/or assist in the design of research protocols. Design portions of research plan. Monitor, test and evaluate current procedures. Identify and adherer to Quality Assurance practices to maintain validity and integrity of research data. Apply new methods/theories.
Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications: May perform statistical analysis of data and qualitative analysis. Assist in the design of manuals, questionnaires, and forms. Assist in preparing publications and presentations. May contribute to the technical writing of papers, manuscripts, grant applications and published materials as evidenced by documented recognition. Present results/ findings at team and departmental meetings; may present at local and national meetings.
Administrative and Project Management: Responsible for following guidelines and maintaining required documentation in support of safety programs. Assist with documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines. Assist with occasional shipping of research reagents.
Facilities and Equipment Management: Coordinate and manage equipment and facilities. Monitor environment risks and quality control. Test new equipment and troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment failures and repairs. Coordinate software licenses as necessary to complete projects.
Supervision/Staffing: As skills develop, may train, provide directions, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees.
Position Summary:
- Perform library and online research on specified topics for use in experimentation
- 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
- Assist in the analysis and interpretation of experiments
- Observe techniques in other laboratories for implementation in our laboratory
- Complete work within specified time guidelines; discuss progress and any problems as needed
- Maintain and passage multiple cell lines
- Purify chlamydia from infected cells by density gradient
- Use immunofluorescent microscopy to titer bacterial stocks
- Perform molecular biology experiments including cloning, construction of vectors for expression in chlamydial and make mutants using site-specific gene inactivation
- Prepare chemical solutions and media according to established protocols
- Maintain bacterial and eukaryotic stocks and inventory
- Present research progress at laboratory and journal club meetings
- Assist in the preparation of manuscripts and grants by organizing data and preparing images, figures, and tables as directed
- Assist in completion of required paperwork for new and departing laboratory personnel, including annual training, biohazard safety, laboratory safety, and fire safety training
- Assist in maintaining accurate records of laboratory databases (equipment and supplies, reagents, microbial strains and stocks, and animals)
- Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment, including the timely ordering, receiving, and proper storage of supplies and equipment
- Assist in maintaining general laboratory functionality
- Assist in developing new protocols
- Maintain a clean work area
- May assist in the BSL3
Percent of Time: 100%
Staff Type: Professional & Scientific
Type of Position: Specified Term. Initial appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.
Pay Grade: 3A - https://hr.uiowa.edu/professional-pay/compensation-plan-structure-a-FY18
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
- For more information about Why Iowa?, click here
Required Qualifications:
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, or Immunology, or a related field
- 6 months or more experience working in a microbiology, cell biology, immunology, or biochemistry laboratory
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Basic knowledge of each of the following:
- General microbiologic techniques, such as culture, storage, and safe handling of pathogenic agents
- Standard molecular techniques, including PCR, plasmid purification, bacterial transformation, agarose gel electrophoresis, and western blotting
- Gathering, recording, and analyzing of experimental data
- Data analysis and presentation software, such as Microsoft Excel, Prism, Microsoft Word, and Photoshop
- Proficiency with each of the following:
- Ability to effectively prioritize projects to consistently meet deadlines
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work in a team
Desirable Qualifications:
- Prior experience working with pathogenic microorganisms is desired
- Prior experience with each of the following:
- Tissue culture experience
- Immunofluorescence microscopy
- Generation and characterization of bacterial stocks
Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a CV or 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 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. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. Professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
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.
