Research Assistant - Otolaryngology

BASIC FUNCTION

Provide specialized technical support for research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing results, and performing operational duties associated with the laboratory and animal research. Key areas of responsibility include conducting research activities in auditory synapse regeneration, collecting and summarizing complex hearing data (ABRs), contributing to manuscripts and presentations, and providing technical training to laboratory staff and students.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Research:

• Function as a technical expert in auditory neuroscience, specifically in the study of synapse degeneration and regeneration following noise exposure.

• Investigate and perform critical analysis of current literature to develop novel approaches for studying temporal constraints of synapse repair in conjunction with the PI.

• Participate in supervising rodent colonies and participate in genotyping and experiment planning.

Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:

• Read and understand protocols.

• Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols.

• Set up and operate research materials or equipment.

• 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.

• Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data.

• As individual skills develop: troubleshoot, analyze and propose modifications to protocols; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; pay present results at team meetings. 

• Conduct complex experiments including in vitro and in vivo cochlear microdissections in murine models and the culturing of organotypic cochlear explants.

• Prepare and process wholemount and immunohistochemistry samples of mouse inner ear tissue for confocal microscopy.

• Measure and analyze Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs) using tone-burst stimuli to assess hearing function across multiple timepoints.

• Present results/findings at lab meetings and national conferences, such as the Association for Research in Otolaryngology (ARO).

Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications:

• Collect and track, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used.

• Prepare materials for reports.

• As skills develop, analyze data.

• Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications.

• May present results/finding at team and departmental meetings.

• Quantify synapse number and inner ear structures using high-resolution confocal imaging and fluorescent labeling; perform image analysis using IMARIS.

• Perform complex statistical analysis of auditory data sets and figure preparation using MATLAB, GraphPad Prism, and Excel.

• Contribute to the development of research posters and manuscripts regarding transcriptional mechanisms of synapse regeneration.

Administrative and Project Management:

• Assist with ACURF or similar protocol submissions.

• Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.

• Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

• Oversee laboratory functions including maintaining accurate documentation for animal protocols and managing the acquisition of specialized laboratory supplies for microdissection and culturing.

Facilities and Equipment Management:

• Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.

• Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.

• Manage and calibrate specialized laboratory equipment, including microscopes, ABR stations, and biochemical analyzers.

Supervision/Staffing:

• As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.

• Train and mentor medical, graduate, post-doc, and undergraduate students on sterile culturing protocols and cochlear microdissection techniques.

• Review, correct, and provide feedback on data analyses performed by junior lab members to ensure research integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Integrated Biology, or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 6 months to 12 months of related laboratory research experience.

• Demonstrated experience with basic laboratory protocols and immunohistochemistry.

• Proficiency in general computer software (e.g., Excel, Word) and evidence of strong organizational skills.

• Ability to work effectively within a team environment and communicate research findings clearly.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a related scientific field.

• Direct experience with cochlear wholemounting and explant techniques.

• Experience measuring and analyzing hearing function via Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABRs).

• Experience with high-resolution confocal microscopy and specialized analysis software such as IMARIS, MATLAB, or GraphPad Prism.

• Experience supervising or mentoring students in a laboratory setting.

Position and Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original 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. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact ashley-rayer@uiowa.edu.