Research Assistant

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa invites applications for a Research Assistant to support the Aldridge Lab in neurodegenerative dementia projects, including Lewy body and Alzheimer's disease studies. The RA will help collect, process, and analyze pathology in human autopsy subjects, with possible animal model work.

Some duties include lab maintenance, ordering supplies, and compliance. Required is a bachelor’s degree in neuroscience or related field with strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience or related field preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail expected.
• Professional demeanor and high ethical standards required.

Responsibilities

• Collect, deliver and process samples from autopsy subjects.
• Scan and evaluate pathology slides and process tissue samples.
• Perform Golgi staining, immunofluorescence and other pathology techniques.
• Trace neurons and quantify synapses using stereology; basic data checks.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Laboratory supervision

Data analysis basics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Job description

The Research Assistant (RA) assists the Aldridge Lab with research projects meant to further the understanding of neurodegenerative dementia, especially our studies evaluating different forms of dementia- such as Lewy Body Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. This position is mainly responsible for helping collect and analyze pathology in human autopsy subjects, but some animal model work may be possible. Based on research background and interest, additional laboratory tasks may be added as secondary responsibilities (e.g., laboratory maintenance, supply/equipment ordering, compliance, animal experiments, etc.).

Position Responsibilities

• Collect, deliver and process samples from autopsy subjects.
• Scan, organize, and evaluate pathology slides
• Process tissue samples
• Perform Golgi staining, immunofluorescence, and other pathological techniques.
• Trace neurons, quantifying synapses, and count cells using stereology.
• Basic analysis of data, including quality checks.
• Write research progress reports for each experiment or data collection; assist in data presentation and preparation of papers.
• Perform library research on specified topics; prepare bibliographies and abstracts.
• Procure supplies and equipment; maintain stocks of supplies as needed.
• Instruct students and others in routine research techniques.
• Promote and maintain lab organization and cleaning in both the animal and human laboratory settings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Please note: This is a specified term position that will last 12 months. An extension may be reviewed after the initial 12 months but is not guaranteed.

The University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center—recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States—is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. ®

Education Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Neuroscience or Neuroscience-related major (i.e., Biochemistry, Molecular Biology) preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and impeccable attention to detail
• Professional demeanor and highest ethical standards

Desired Qualifications

• Background in pathology research
• Demonstrable experience supervising or training others in a laboratory setting.
• Programming experience using MATLab or equivalent.

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

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 Lilli Wulff at [e-mail] or 319-356-4417.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Research Assistant
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

Contact Information

Compensation

Equal opportunity employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, [phone] or [e-mail] . For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543 .

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