Research Assistant - Guyer Lab, Pediatric Surgery

University of Iowa; Iowa City (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Iowa is seeking a Research Assistant to support Dr. Richard Guyer’s laboratory, performing foundational research with fish and rodent models, as well as cell culture systems.

The role involves work across cancer biology, development, and transcriptional regulation in pediatric solid tumors, notably neuroblastoma. The RA will follow established protocols, manage animal colonies, process tissues and data, and contribute to analyses and reports.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience; degree in biological sciences preferred.
• Experience in a medical or biological research laboratory environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Basic knowledge of cell culture techniques and sterile technique.
• Basic knowledge of standard molecular techniques (PCR, qPCR, plasmid purification, gel electrophoresis, Western blotting).

Responsibilities

• Perform research activities based on protocols developed by staff or PI.
• Manage animal colony including breeding, genotyping, and data collection.
• Read and understand protocols; set up and operate research materials or equipment.
• Adhere to safety, compliance, and QA guidelines; monitor data integrity.
• Prepare materials for reports and presentations; assist with publications.
• Assist with protocol submissions and regulatory documentation.
• Maintain equipment and assist with procurement and budgeting as needed.
• Train and supervise students and junior staff as skills develop.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Cell culture techniques

Molecular biology techniques

Education

Bachelor's degree in biological sciences

Tools

PCR

qPCR

Gel electrophoresis

Western blotting

Job description

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.

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.

Additional Information

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

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Devin DeAnda
• Contact Email: [e-mail]