Research Assistant - Department of Psychiatry
University of Iowa

Job Info

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The lab of Dr. Aislinn Williams at the Iowa Neuroscience Institute seeks a talented scientist to join the research team. Current projects use induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) and transgenic mouse models to study molecular and cellular mechanisms of genetic risk for neuropsychiatric disorders including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism.

Duties will include animal behavior and neuropathological analyses, generation and maintenance of iPSC cultures and iPSC-derived nervous system cells and performing experiments to study the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuropsychiatric disorders. Daily responsibilities may include PCR, histology and microscopy, cell culture work, and assisting in overall lab maintenance (making lab solutions, keeping track of supplies, keeping data organized in shared databases, keeping up with EHS rules and regulations).

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
Act in both an administrative and hands-on research role.
Genotype transgenic mice and maintain colony.
Behavioral and neuropathological assays in transgenic mice.
Grow and maintain cultured cells under sterile conditions, analyze cells for culture purity and health.
Carry out molecular and cellular analyses of cultured cells, including but not limited to immunohistochemistry, microscopy, Western blot, RT-PCR, qPCR.
General lab duties including database organization, maintenance of laboratory space and equipment.
Manage and delegate tasks to students in the lab.

Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a biological science field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of one year of progressively responsible experience in a research environment is required.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills are required.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail is required.
Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
Experience in scientific research as well as presentation of data and manuscript preparation.
Must be able to work some weekend hours.

Desirable Qualifications
Cell biology and neuroscience coursework and lab experience.
Sterile cell culture work experience.
Animal behavioral assay experience.
Familiarity with IRB and animal protocol processes.

Application Process
To be considered, applicants must upload a Cover Letter and Resume (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. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum 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.
For questions, contact lori-posey@uiowa.edu

Additional Information

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

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Lori Posey
• Contact Email: lori-posey@uiowa.edu

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