Research Assistant

The University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is seeking a 100% Research Assistant in the Gumusoglu Lab. The Research Assistant is responsible for advancing research in the Reproductive Science and Neuroscience lab within the Iowa Neuroscience Institute.

This role involves executing molecular and cellular biology techniques, lab management duties, and mouse studies. As the research assistant gains experience with laboratory techniques and procedures, they will take on increased autonomy and collaboration with other laboratory members. They will also gradually increase the level of their scientific duties by adding experimental design and data analysis as well as preparation of materials for abstracts, reports, grant applications, and manuscripts.

The research assistant will be able to function very independently but also work well as a member of a team. They will assist with administrative duties related to ordering lab supplies, maintenance and organization of protocols and documents, management of schedules and training of other lab members, and animal care.

This is an hourly, non-benefited position lasting one year.

Position Responsibilities:

• Assist with procurement of lab and animal supplies and materials.
• Animal handling and cohort management.
• Carry out molecular biology techniques, including immunohistochemistry, DNA and RNA extraction, RT-PCR and real time RT-PCR.
• Operate light microscopes and acquire microscopic imaging data.
• Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.
• Perform lab maintenance tasks including autoclaving, refilling supplies, cleaning glassware, emptying biohazard tubs, etc.
• Arrange, plan, and execute daily activities to prepare for research protocols.
• Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.
• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
• Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.
• Track progress of research activities.
• Prepare materials for reports.
• May present results/findings at meetings.
• May train, provide direction, assignments, and feedback to other employees.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a biological science, physiology, or psychology field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Ability to use and maintain general lab equipment.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well both independently and in a team setting.
• Experience with Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)

Desired Qualifications:

• Minimum of 6-12 months of prior research experience in biology, or a related field
• Experience with molecular biology, in vivo and in vitro lab techniques
• Skilled in use of Prism/SPSS/R/Sigmaplot, Endnote and Adobe
• Experience with data analysis and statistics
• Experience with sterile techniques, tissue harvest, sectioning, histology, animal behavioral testing and immunofluorescent microscopy
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