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. 
•    Troubleshooting of 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    
We have an environment where everyone has a voice that is heard; that promotes the dignity of our patients, trainees, and employees; and allows all to thrive in their health, work, research, and education.
Excellence    
We achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible health care, education, and research.
Collaboration            
We collaborate with health care systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region as well as within our UI community. We believe teamwork—guided by compassion—is the best way to work.
Accountability       
We behave ethically, act with fairness and integrity, take responsibility for our own actions, and respond when errors in behavior or judgment occur.
Respect                       
We create an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected, supporting the well-being and success of all members of our community.
Empowerment            
We commit to fair access to research, health care, and education for our community and opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff and learners.
 

In order to be considered, applicants must upload a resume and cover letter (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 7 calendar days.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

References: Five professional references will be requested and required at a later step in the recruitment process

Contact lisa-pfannebecker@uiowa.edu with any questions or inquiries regarding this position opening.