Research Assistant - Radiation Oncology
Position Summary:
The University of Iowa Health Care - Department of Radiation Oncology is seeking a talented, highly motivated Research Assistant to join the multi-disciplinary laboratory of Dr. James Byrne. The Research Assistant works with the Principal Investigator and other engineers and scientists on preclinical studies involving foam drug delivery systems for the treatment of cancer. The research assistant should have experience performing in vitro cell assays, including cytotoxicity assays; molecular biology techniques, such as Western blotting and immunohistochemistry; and in vivo experiments, including hands-on experience with oral gavage. Excellent oral and written communication and computer skills are necessary.
Free Radical and Biology Program Summary:
The Free Radical and Radiation Biology Program (FRRBP) is a unique, storied PhD-granting program within the Department of Radiation Oncology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine. We provide graduate students the opportunity to study cancer biology and other major human diseases through a unique curriculum developed to advance redox biology through translational biomedical research and vice versa. This curriculum was developed through foundational studies of free radical and radiation biology within a research setting as close to clinical care as possible. We are the only PhD graduate program within a clinical department in the USA, providing students a more balanced education for biomedical research and the chance to directly implement your research for cancer therapy and therapy development. We are affiliated with researchers in cancer, heart disease, arthritis, wound healing, fibrosis, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and several clinical trials for redox related compounds. We have two $10M program grants affiliated with our groups and are a national leader in cancer research.
Radiation Oncology Summary:
University of Iowa Health Care—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®
Our faculty and staff deliver exceptional clinical care at the University of Iowa Health Care and across five community-based sites in Iowa, Bettendorf, Burlington, Clinton, Iowa City, and Ottumwa. We are proud of our department's exceptional scores in patient satisfaction. Patients have access to a range of advanced radiation treatment options, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), brachytherapy (high-dose-rate, interstitial, and eye plaque), Gamma Knife stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with frame-based and frameless delivery capability, stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), total body irradiation (TBI), total skin electron beam therapy (TSEBT), and Accelerated Partial Breast Irradiation (APBI) for the breast. We have an active pediatric radiotherapy service with the capability to treat patients under anesthesia. Additionally, our department boasts the only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-guided linear accelerator in Iowa, enhancing the precision of radiation treatments.
UI Health Care Core Values (WECARE) |
Welcoming |
We strive for an environment where everyone has a voice that is heard, that promotes the dignity of our patients, trainees, and employees, and allows all to thrive in their health, work, research, and education. |
Excellence |
We aim to achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible healthcare, education, and research. |
Collaboration |
We encourage collaboration with healthcare systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region, as well as within our UI community. We believe teamwork – guided by compassion – is the best way to work. |
Accountability |
We behave ethically, act with fairness and integrity, take responsibility for our own actions, and respond when errors in behavior or judgement occur. |
Respect |
We create an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected, supporting the well-being and success of all members of our community. |
Empowerment |
We commit to fair access to research, health care, and education for our community and opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff and learners. |
Required Qualifications:
· A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Pharmaceutics, or an associated field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
· Sound independent judgment and competence in research methodologies
· Strong analytical and computer skills required; Proficiency with computer spreadsheet, word-processing and database software.
· Animal handling experience required.
· Strong organizational skills.
· Ability to prioritize tasks and meet established project timelines
· Experience with in vitro experiments, including cytotoxicity assays
· Experience with techniques in molecular biology, including Western blots and immunohistochemistry
· Experience with in vivo experiments, including oral gavage of drugs
· Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
· Ability to interact effectively with individuals from various backgrounds and fields of expertise.
· Ability to demonstrate professionalism.
· Careful attention to detail.
Desired Qualifications:
· Familiarity with operation of 3D printers, laser cutters, injection molders, and associated software including SolidWorks and Adobe Illustrator.
· Knowledge of UI policies and procedures and familiarity with UI entities.
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 Michael Washington at michael-washington@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.