Assistant Research Scientist - Iowa Neuroscience Institute

Overview

The Assistant Research Scientist will support the daily operation of scientific services in the Iowa Neuro Bank Core in the Iowa Neuroscience Institute. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for implementing cutting-edge spatial
-omics technologies and overseeing some aspects of the day-to-day operation of the core facility. Competitive job candidates should have a solid foundation in standard molecular biology lab techniques, familiarity with tissue imaging and Next Gen Sequencing, and an understanding of new and emerging technologies in the space. In addition to performing spatial
-omics workflows, the individual will provide technical support for highly specialized equipment and help users troubleshoot technical issues. The ideal candidate is a reliable and highly organized individual who can work independently and collaborate with researchers across many career levels and departments.

This position provides the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and contribute to a wide variety of research projects to seek answers to fundamental questions about brain function in health and disease.

Experiments, Simulations, Modeling or Theoretical Investigations: Perform experiments, simulations, or theoretical investigations. Collect data and evaluate relevance of data. Work independently on basic research tasks with oversight by Faculty or Principal Investigator (PI). Contribute to documentation of equipment and procedures.

Data/Research Analysis and Evaluation
:
Analyze data for relevance and data integrity. Perform basic data analysis techniques. Compare results of scientific investigations to previously published work.

Dissemination of Research Results
:
Prepare or assist in the preparation of manuscripts as contributing author for publication. Present results in departmental seminars and at professional meetings.

Research Proposals/Grants: Contribute to new or continuing research grant proposals to obtain funding for research activities. May serve as co-PI on grants or proposals. Contribute to progress reports required by funding agencies. Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.

Service: Provide service to the scientific community, University and General Public. Review submitted manuscripts and research proposals. Consult and collaborate with the research community. Participate in public outreach activities as required by funding sources. May participate in national and international meetings within the discipline.

Human Resources/Supervision
:
Mentor undergraduate or graduate students and technicians. May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff. Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.

Position Responsibilities

• Work with investigators to design experiments
• Carry out established spatial
  -omics workflows
• May carry out tissue histological preparation as part of spatial
  -omics workflow (e.g. immunofluorescence, H&E stains)
• Prepare cDNA libraries for next-generation sequencing experiments related to spatial
  -omics workflow
• May carry out tissue microscopy imaging experiments as part of spatial
  -omics workflow
• Perform experiments independently based on standard protocols developed by manufacturers, other research staff, or principal investigator of the research project. Develop protocols as needed. Set up and operate research materials/equipment. Read and understand protocols. Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare and carry out experiments to meet overall research goals. Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols. Track progress of research, identify any failure points, troubleshoot, consult with others when necessary/helpful, and ensure continued progress of research to meet goals
• Read and review research articles to develop knowledge of the research area and stay up to date on the newest technologies in spatial
  -omics. As knowledge/skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with other researchers and the core director
• Adhere to safety and regulatory guidelines. Assist with ensuring that the working environment and records/documentation are compliant with applicable health and safety regulations. Collate documentation for protocol submissions (IACUC, IBC, etc.) as requested
• Keep detailed records of experiments. Present research results to stakeholders. Assist in preparation of written research results for publication
• Order and maintain records of drugs/chemical agents and other supplies. Assist in the maintenance of lab equipment, monitoring lab inventory, arranging service contracts, and interfacing with technicians and vendors
• Assist students and postdocs with experiments as appropriate

Percent of Time:100%

Staff Type:Professional & Scientific

Type of Position:Specified Term. Initial appointment is for 12 months. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.

• Regular…