Research Assistant - Guyer Lab, Pediatric Surgery

The University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa is seeking a Research Assistant for the Guyer Lab in Pediatric Surgery to support basic research using fish/rodent models and cell culture systems. You will assist with protocols, data collection, and report preparation in a multidisciplinary cancer biology environment.

Ideal candidates will have lab experience, strong communication skills, and familiarity with molecular techniques such as PCR and gel electrophoresis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in biological sciences or related field.
• Experience in a medical/biological research lab.
• Proficiency with PCR, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform research activities based on protocols developed by other research staff or PI.
• Manage animal colony including breeding, back-crossing, weaning, identification, and genotyping; may include DNA/RNA work.
• Read and understand protocols; set up and operate research materials or equipment.
• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines and QA protocols.
• Collect, record, and consolidate data; track progress; present results at group meetings.

Skills

Biological research

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Tools

PCR

Gel electrophoresis

Western blotting

qPCR

Cell culture

Job description

Research Assistant - Guyer Lab, Pediatric Surgery

Position Summary

The Research Assistant (RA) supports Dr. Richard Guyer’s laboratory by performing basic research activities with fish and/or rodent models of tissue development and tumor biology, as well as cell culture systems.

Dr. Guyer’s lab is interdisciplinary (i.e., cancer research, cell development, and transcriptional regulation) and studies how aberrant development leads to pediatric solid tumors, particularly neuroblastoma.

Position Responsibilities

• Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator fo the research project.
• Manage animal colony including breeding, back-crossing, weaning, animal identification, and genotyping. Genotyping will include sample collection, DNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and gel interpretation. Other tasks may include plasmid purification, Western blotting, DNA/RNA isolation, immunohistochemistry, etc. Animal management may require early morning and/or weekend duties as needed.
• Read and understand protocols.
• Set up and operate research materials or equipment.
• 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.
• 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; present results at group meetings.
• Perform data entry, data analysis, and graphical data display.
• Prepare materials for reports, bibliographies, and/or abstracts for publications. Present results/findings at group and departmental meetings.
• Assist with ACURF or similar protocol submissions.
• Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
• Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
• Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.
• May initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts/expenditures; reconcile statements.
• As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees.

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.

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in biological sciences preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Experience in a medical or biological research laboratory environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, etc.)
• Basic knowledge of cell culture techniques, including sterile technique
• Basic knowledge of standard molecular techniques, including PCR, qPCR, plasmid purification, gel electrophoresis, and Western blotting

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory animal (fish and/or rodent) handling.
• Hands-on experience with DNA/RNA techniques (i.e., DNA/RNA isolation and PCR experiments)
• Hands-on experience with Protein techniques (i.e., protein isolation, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence)
• Experience with bioinformatic datasets, analysis, and coding (e.g., R, Python, Bash scripting, etc.)

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 Devin DeAnda at [e-mail].

Additional Information

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

Contact Information

• Contact Name: Devin DeAnda

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 .