Research Associate - Free Radical & Radiation Biology Research Lab

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Radiation Oncology is seeking a Research Associate to support the multi-disciplinary laboratory of Dr. Andrean Burnett by working with the Principal Investigator and other scientists on preclinical studies involving the treatment and prevention of head and neck cancer and novel drug delivery systems. The research associate will also be responsible for overseeing and managing lab safety and working with environmental health and safety. Excellent oral and written communication and computer skills are necessary.

Duties To Include

• Initiate lab outreach via website creation, design, and regular updating.
• Collect, process and store animal and human specimens.
• Perform research activities in a specialized area. Function as a specialist/technical expert in a specific discipline(s). Investigate and perform critical analysis of current literature to develop novel approaches to research either independently or in conjunction with other investigators.
• Proficiency with analysis and record keeping software (GraphPad Prism, MATLAB, Microsoft Office, etc.) Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.
• Test new equipment and troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment failures and repairs.
• 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. Develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity
• Prepare, calibrate, and maintain laboratory and facility equipment. Monitor colonies of lab animals including mice, rats, and cell cultures.
• Adapt and perform protocols from the literature.
• Perform varied tasks in the research environment. Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
• Collect and track data, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used. Prepare materials for reports. Analyze data.
• Responsible for following guidelines and maintaining required documentation in support of safety programs.
• Develop and implement research plan either independently or in conjunction with other investigators. Conduct complex research in a specialized discipline. Develop, troubleshoot and formulate protocols and hypotheses in a specialized field/discipline.
• Coordinate and manage multiple research projects/programs
• Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.
• Collaborate with human resources personnel to hire new staff. Ensure staff compliance with UI policies and procedures. Develop and implement policies and procedures that support staff engagement in the workplace.
• Perform qualitative data analysis and summarize results.
• 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 adhere to Quality Assurance practices to maintain validity and integrity of research data. Apply new methods/theories.
• Provide ongoing training on basic and new lab techniques and protocols for employees. Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to track progress and assure outcomes are achieved.
• Develop training procedures for basic and high-level lab techniques and protocol
• Update and maintain patient-derived biorepository and liquid nitrogen databases
• Manage/direct a research lab, center, service, or core facility. Ensure staff compliance with UI policies and procedures. Develop and implement policies and procedures that support staff engagement in the workplace. Assure safety and compliance; respond to compliance and safety violations. Manage complex processes, external relationship development, and project/process leadership.
• Contribute to lab/research project as evidenced by documented recognition in publications as an author or for technical assistance. Develops new methodology and techniques related to the area of research.
• Determine needs of the lab and/or facilities. Gather and determine specifications for highly specialized equipment and procure lab equipment.
• Oversee many of the administrative functions, including but not limited to writing and amending protocols, making decisions regarding the acquisition of equipment, software, and supplies, being responsible for the safety programs (EHS, BBP plan), and managing staff. Communicate directly with any external stakeholders (funders, partners, etc.) as to progress, reporting requirements, and timetables.
• Coordinate communication among Principal Investigator and other lab members.
• Design manuals, questionnaires, and forms. Assist in preparing publications and presentations. Present results/findings at team and departmental meetings.
• Coordinate and manage equipment and facilities. Monitor environmental risks and quality control.
• Work with environmental health and safety to maintain compliance and a safe lab environment; document compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Arrange and plan daily and weekly activities to prepare for research protocols.
• Manage research projects/programs, support and conduct complex research.

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.

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 are committed to ensuring the UI Health Care is an inclusive environment where individuals from the full spectrum of diversity – which includes identity, backgrounds, cultures, ability, and perspective – feel safe, seen and valued.

Equity

We dedicate ourselves to equity and fairness in research, health care, education, and health.

Percent of Time: 100% Full Time

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; other hours based on needs of research.

Pay Grade: https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans

Benefits Highlights

• For more information about Why Iowa?, click here
• 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

Application Process

In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter that clearly addresses how they meet the qualifications of this position. Be sure to mark the documents as a "Relevant File" to the submission when completing the application. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.

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 Joleen Timm at [email protected]

Required Qualifications

• Strong analytical and computer skills required; Proficiency with computer spreadsheet, word-processing and database software.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet established project timelines
• Animal handling experience required.
• Sound independent judgment and competence in research methodologies
• Strong analytical and computer skills required; Proficiency with computer spreadsheet, word-processing and database software.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
• A Bachelor’s Degree in in the Biological Sciences, supplemented by one or more years of progressively responsible experience in the conduct of natural or health science research or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to demonstrate professionalism.
• Experience with Flow Cytometry
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals from various backgrounds and fields of expertise.

Desirable Qualifications

• Knowledge of UI policies and procedures and familiarity with UI entities.
• Careful attention to detail.

Additional Information

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

Compensation

• Pay Level: 4A

Contact Information

• Contact Email: [email protected]
• Contact Name: TIMM,JOLEEN
• Organization: Healthcare