Research Assistant - Neuroscience And Pharmacology ( Usachev Lab)

This Research Assistant will join the research laboratory of Dr. Yuriy M. Usachev to perform foundational research on the mechanisms of neuronal signaling and circuitry, pain transmission and epilepsy. The Usachev lab focuses on the role of mitochondria in the regulation of synaptic activity, seizures, epilepsy and neurotoxicity. An additional line of projects examines the role and mechanisms of neuro-immune interaction in the periphery and in the central nervous system in controlling nociceptive processing and chronic pain. Multiple state-of-the art techniques are established in the lab, including multiphoton in vivo microscopy, EEG/EMG recording, cellular and subcellular Ca2+ imaging in cultured neurons and brain slices, patch-clamp recordings, opto- and chemo-genetic approaches, and large array of mouse behavioral testing.

Duties To Include

• Keep detailed inventory of lab reagents
• Assist in the maintenance of lab equipment, monitoring lab inventory, arranging service contracts, and interfacing with technicians and vendor
• Carry out mouse genotyping and assist with maintaining our mouse breeding colonies.
• Order and maintain records of drugs/chemical agents and other supplies
• Perform molecular and cell biological studies with minimal oversight. This includes but is not limited to cell culture, fluorescent imaging, microscopy, behavioral, biochemical, and physiological experiments in mice. Training will be provided
• Assist graduate students and postdocs with experiments.

Our mission is to inspire and educate world class health care providers and scientists for the people of Iowa and our global community. Researchers in the College's over 280 laboratories are served by state-of-the-art core research facilities and research support facilities. Much of the research conducted is interdisciplinary and collaborations are fostered and coordinated through major research centers, institutes and programs. Many faculty members are internationally renowned for their research. Two faculty members are Howard Hughes Institute Investigators, 12 are members of the Institute of Medicine and two are members of the National Academy of Sciences.

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/pay/pay-plans/professional-and-scientific-pay-structure

Benefits Highlights

• 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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• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa

Required Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Office.
• Requires a bachelor’s degree in a biomedical related field, other related science program, or equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience in a research laboratory environment.
• Ability to work independently while being accountable and efficient with time management.
• Previous animal research experience in a laboratory.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Familiarity with non-surgical mouse procedures such as injections.
• Previous experience with cell culture and cellular and subcellular Ca2+ imaging.
• Familiarity with Softmouse, Prism, Sirenia, and Microsoft office.
• Experience with mouse genotyping.
• Familiarity with mouse behavioral work and EEG analysis.
• Familiarity with the spared nerve injury model of pain and nerve ligation in mice.

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 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. Professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For additional questions, please contact Anne Beyerink at [email protected].

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Classification Title: Research Assistant

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A

Contact Information

• Contact Name: Anne Beyerink
• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Email: [email protected]