Asst Research Scientist/Engin - MORL

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa MORL seeks a Research Assistant to conduct advanced genetic research into autosomal recessive and dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss. The role involves evaluating genotype-phenotype correlations, developing discovery methods, and presenting results at meetings.

Responsibilities include conducting experiments, data analysis, and preparing publications. Mentorship and grant-related tasks may be part of overseeing projects, with emphasis on collaboration and rigorous

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 3 years post-doctoral relevant lab experience in hearing genetics or related field.
• Ability to plan and execute a research study with some independence.
• Strong working knowledge of in vivo procedures in rodent models (mouse).
• Experience with hearing testing in rodent (ABR, DPOAE).
• Knowledge of cochlear anatomy and sample preparation for microscopy.
• Proficiency with PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, Co-IP, immunofluorescence and related equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct genetic research on deafness and gene discovery.
• Evaluate genotype-phenotype correlations and develop new research methods.
• Prepare results for publications and conferences; disseminate findings.
• Manage parts of research projects including data generation and analysis.
• Supervise staff and ensure safety/compliance in the lab.

Skills

Genetics

Molecular biology

In vivo experiments

Data analysis

Communication

Education

PhD in molecular biology

Tools

PCR

Western blot

Immunofluorescence

In vivo rodent surgery

ImageJ

Job description

Basic Function

The Department of Otolaryngology- Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories (MORL) is seeking a Research Assistant to conduct highly technical and specialized scientific research focused on genetic deafness (autosomal recessive and dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss), exploring phenotype-genotype relationships, novel gene discovery, gene therapy, and the contribution of genetics to age-related hearing loss. This individual will evaluate genetic data to determine genotype-phenotype correlations and develop methodology to identify novel disease-causing loci. Additionally, they will independently secure funding, conduct research experiments, analyze data, and disseminate findings through publications and presentations.

Duties To Include

Experiments, Simulations, Modeling or Theoretical Investigations:

• Interrogate genetic regions of interest related to autosomal recessive and dominant non-syndromic hearing loss through methods such as in vivo and molecular experiments, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, and viral vector injections in rodent models.
• Collect and evaluate data integrity and relevance to research questions.
• Evaluate data to establish relevance to the problem or problems being evaluated.
• Define outstanding research problems and contribute to protocol development
• Work independently on research tasks with oversight by Principal Investigator (PI).
• Contribute to documentation of equipment and procedures.
• Develop new protocols for research and obtain support for new and/or continuing research activities.

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 research results for publication in reports, papers, journals, books and other media.
• Prepare seminars, discussions and lectures for dissemination of knowledge and results of research.
• Represent the entire research group at professional meetings.

Research Proposals/Grants

• Maintain liaison with sponsoring agencies and organizations as well as with other research and educational institutions.
• Manage all or part of a research project including staff selection, assignment and scheduling, monitoring of project funds, coordination of data generation and analysis and identification, acquisition and use of equipment and facilities.
• Participate in determining research priorities and planning programs of research.

Service

• Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students and the public.
• Demonstrate respect for all members of the University community in the course of performing one’s duties and in response to administrators, supervisors, coworkers and customers.
• Represent the interests of the University and of unit leadership in the use of resources to meet service and productivity demands within unit goals and budgets; strives to promote continual processes and quality improvement.
• Seek opportunities to enhance one’s own professional knowledge, skills and abilities as they relate to one’s current position and/or to prepare for potential future roles and overall career development.
• Train investigators and support staff and conduct continuing education.

Human Resources/Supervision

• Mentor graduate students, medical residents on research rotations and research assistants working in the lab or collaborating from other labs.
• Provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff.
• Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.

Required Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in molecular biology, genetics or an equivalent professional degree, i.e. DDS or DVM is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of post-doctoral relevant laboratory experience in hearing genetics or related field is required.
• Ability to plan and execute a research study through some progressively independent research work.
• Strong working knowledge of in vivo experimental procedures in rodent (mouse).
• Strong working knowledge of hearing testing in rodent, such as: Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (DPOAE), noise overexposure.
• Strong working knowledge of mouse inner ear surgery, relative to viral vector injection.
• Strong working knowledge of the middle and inner ear anatomy and proficiency in harvesting, dissecting and preparing cochlear samples.
• Strong working knowledge of cochlear morphology and sample preparation for various microscopy technics: such as Scanning and Transmission Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM), confocal and light imaging.
• Strong working knowledge of in vitro experiments involving bacteria and cell culture.
• Strong working knowledge of molecular evaluation technics such as: PCR, RTqPCR, western blotting, Co-IP, immunofluorescence and of the associated equipment.
• Experience genetic analysis technologies and analytical strategies.
• Effective interpersonal skills required as well as written and oral communication and presentation skills.
• Proficient computer skills including Graph pad Prism, Adobe illustrator, Photoshop, ImageJ as well as working knowledge statistical analysis.

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of plasmid construction.
• Knowledge of University of Iowa Policies and Procedures.
• Supervisory experience is highly desirable.

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 [e-mail].

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Asst Research Scientist/Engin
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time

Compensation

• Pay Level: 5A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Ashley Nelson
• Contact Email: [e-mail]