Research Assistant - Messingham Dermatology Lab

Position Summary

This position with Carver College of Medicine department of Dermatology will work in a team-based environment where this individual will support and perform basic and translational research in a Dermatology lab using a wide array of techniques and approaches to study autoimmune skin diseases.

Position Responsibilities

• Research - General: Learn and perform all tasks in accordance with laboratory protocols and seek help from laboratory staff when needed. Assist with general laboratory maintenance, e.g., make buffers and stock solutions, dispose of hazardous waste, keep laboratory clean and organized. Learn from and assist other laboratory personnel.

• Perform experiments as directed under the guidance of the PI. Participate in the day-to-day planning and timely execution of assays and experiments according to the PI’s goals. Read topical literature, perform literature searches, identify and discuss relevant findings.

• Conduct Experiments: Perform basic and complex procedures and techniques as outlined in protocols assuring fidelity to such. Troubleshoot unexpected or flawed data using protocol and testing of alternatives. Collect samples from the clinical area, process human tissues appropriately, aliquot, and store for later use.

• Meet with PI weekly to review progress and discuss future experiments and goals.

• Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications: Keep neat, well-organized notebook complete with index listing dates, protocols, location of samples, product/lot numbers and electronic file locations. Present raw or cumulative data at weekly lab meetings. Learn and utilize appropriate statistical analysis and incorporate into data presentation. Prepare publication quality figures, tables, and written methods or figure legends, etc.

• Administrative and Project Management: Assist with adherence to all federal, state and university safety & compliance guidelines. Contribute to maintenance of HPO records. Assist with shipping of hazardous materials.

• Facilities and Equipment Management: General cleaning and maintenance of equipment. Notify Facilities or appropriate vendors of necessary maintenance or repairs. Obtain quotes for repair or replacement of equipment.

• Supervision/Staffing: Participate in training new laboratory personnel in general maintenance and safety, laboratory protocols and procedures, ensure compliance of individuals with laboratory and university training and policies.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in basic science or engineering
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Practical laboratory knowledge of standard techniques, including calculation of molar solutions, measuring liquids, weighing chemicals, sterile tissue culture
• Previous experience working and performing experiments/assays in a basic science research laboratory

Desired Qualifications

• Highly desirable experience with immunostaining, confocal microscopy, and analysis
• Experience performing multicolor flow cytometry and data analysis
• Desirable expertise in using mouse research models, especially to study immunology and antigen specific immunity
• Expression and purification of proteins from bacterial or mammalian cell lines

UI Health Care Core Values (WECARE)

• Welcoming
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Accountability
• Respect
• Empowerment

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Research Assistant
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus
• Compensation Pay Level: 3A
• Contact Information: Organization: Healthcare
  Contact Name: Lisa Pfannebecker
  Contact Email: lisa-pfannebecker@uiowa.edu