Core Facility Research Specialist - Iowa Neuroscience Institute

About the role

The Core Facility Research Specialist will support bioinformatics efforts within the institute by analyzing large datasets from cutting-edge research on neural circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying brain function in health and disease. The role involves using existing software frameworks to analyze imaging datasets from spatial -omics, light sheet microscopy, and neuroimaging, as well as developing new analysis tools as needed. The specialist will advise users on best practices, help them analyze their own data, and work closely with the Core Director to achieve operational goals.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with researchers to conduct and/or develop highly technical and specialized scientific research procedures, experiments, or simulations using the core facility's equipment or services.
• Acquire data by operating facility instrumentation, perform complex procedures, and ensure fidelity to research protocols.
• Propose modifications to protocols and assist in designing experiment protocols based on specialized knowledge.
• Perform daily activities to prepare for experimental protocols and facility operation.
• Critically review literature to further research and assist in generating, collecting, and analyzing data.
• Develop new data analysis techniques or methodologies and interpret experimental data.
• Perform data analysis for researchers using specialized software in a form useful for further statistical analysis or publication.
• Provide education, training, and consultation to core facility users on specialized equipment, scientific research, or technology.
• Review methods sections of research papers related to the core facility's specialty.
• Assist with managing, calibrating, and troubleshooting facility equipment and instrumentation.
• Test new equipment and provide input on new instrument purchases.
• Assist with maintenance of facility computer systems, specialized software, data servers, and online reservation systems.
• Assist with administrative duties for a fee-for-service facility operation, including reviewing billing data, initiating purchases, and analyzing facility use data.
• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
• May participate in hiring and managing staff performance to ensure compliance with institutional policies.
• Provides advanced training and education of Core users on appropriate analysis of collected data, including “best practices” for statistical data analysis.
• Performs analysis of neuroinformatics data for user projects.
• Assists users with preparation of research papers by reviewing methods and results sections; may contribute as co-author.
• Develops and maintains knowledge of the field through literature review and attendance at meetings and conferences.
• Adapts, creates, and tests “best practice” analysis protocols based on literature review and user needs.
• Performs analysis to advance the research interests of the Core and produce reference databases.
• Performs appropriate statistical analysis of data using “best practice” methodology and records, organizes, and presents data at lab meetings.
• Assists in preparing data for publications, grant proposals, and presentations.
• Organizes and maintains datasets and computing infrastructure for user projects.
• Supervises and trains research assistants, interns, or undergraduate students as needed.
• Coordinates and manages Core facility computing hardware and software, including troubleshooting, testing, maintenance, and acquisition.
• Interacts with outside vendors for purchases, budgets, and maintenance information.
• Manages and organizes regulatory documentation and monitors compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in a quantitative field, supplemented by 5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in advanced data analysis for biological sciences or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Advanced knowledge of research techniques and procedures relating to computational and analytical methods within neuroscience, genetics, or other biological research.
• Expert proficiency with data analysis/statistics/programming in Python, R, and/or Matlab.
• Experience with deployment of standard computer vision algorithms and neural network-based algorithms for image processing (e.g., segmentation, image transforms, alignment).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated and driven to learn new skills and analytical methods.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Linux command line tools.
• Knowledge of software development best practices, including version control and automated testing.
• Experience with advanced imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, light sheet microscopy, fiber photometry, or other functional imaging.
• Knowledge of neuroanatomy/neurohistology.
• Record of publishing original research in peer-reviewed journals.

Benefits

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa.
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• Generous employer contributions into retirement plans.

Pay

Pay Grade: 5A – Professional & Scientific Compensation Plan.