Research Assistant - Infectious Diseases

The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics department of Internal Medicine is seeking a Research Associate to support research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing results and performing operational duties associated with the laboratory (bench and field), animal or human research. Research in the natural, health, physical and social sciences is included in this job family. Key areas of responsibilities include conducting research activities/experiments, collecting, analyzing and summarizing data, preparing reports, contributing to manuscripts/publications, administrative and project management, facilities and equipment management, and supervision/staffing.
This position is within the Infectious Diseases division of Internal Medicine supporting the Tan lab. This lab focuses on researching the human immune response to viruses. The research team studies human blood cells to better understand how the immune system fights infections by performing staining analysis of monkey tissues to understand how viruses enter the brain and cause infections.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Research

• Read and review articles as directed.
• As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypothesis for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.
• Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.

Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:

• Recruit, consent and enroll research subjects; perform varied tasks in the research environment (lab, clinic, field, classroom).
• Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.
• Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols.
• Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.
• Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data.
• Set up and operate research materials or equipment.
• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
• Read and understand protocols.
• Track progress of research activities.
• 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; pay present results at team meetings.

Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications

• As skills develop, analyze data.
• Collect and track, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used.
• Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications.
• May present results/finding at team and departmental meetings.
• Prepare materials for reports.

Administrative and Project Management:

• Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist with IRB, ACURF or similar protocol submissions, if applicable.
• Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.

Facilities and Equipment Management:

• May initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts/expenditures; reconcile statements.
• Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.
• Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.

Education Required
A bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
Required Qualifications
Previous experience in a basic molecular laboratory, including making solutions, slides and cell handling and pipetting.
Previous experience data analysis and presentations.
Application Details
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
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 [email protected]
Additional Information

• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Classification Title: Research Assistant
• Work Modality Options: On Campus
• Schedule: Full-time

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A

Contact Information

• Contact Name: Michaela Davis
• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Email: [email protected]

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.