Research Assistant
Salary: $37,686 to commensurate (Paygrade: 3A)
Hours of Work:Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
This position provides support for biomedical research by initiating new methods to 3D print biodegradable scaffolds and work with new and novel biomaterials and working with faculty to support their research activities. Provide research assistance to College of Dentistry faculty by preparing bioprinted scaffolds for research. Prepare new bioink and develop new methodologies to repair bone and tissues through bioprinting. Participate and contribute to research team committed to addressing tissue regeneration questions pertaining to craniofacial and dental development. Requires scientific and biomedical engineering research expertise.
Research:
- Assists in planning steps in biomaterial and bioink development, molecular biology research and coordinates projects within the lab.
- Participate and present in weekly lab meetings.
- Assist in small animal studies.
- Perform tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and analysis.
Conduct Experiments:
- Prepare samples to obtain original research results.
- Utilize the 3D printer equipment to print out scaffolds with different biomaterials
- Perform microCT image and analysis of 3D printing products
- Perform molecular and cell biology techniques including PCR, Cloning, DNA/RNA isolations, immunohistochemistry, and protein assays.
Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications:
- Prepare data for analysis and assist in research and writing for the publication of manuscripts.
Administrative and Project Management:
- Order supplies and maintain supply cabinet including production of buffers and stock solutions.
- Organize regular cleaning schedules of key research areas.
- Participate in weekend lab checks of freezers, incubators and other key equipment.
Facilities and Equipment Management:
- Assist in the maintenance of 3D printer and other lab equipment.
Supervision/Staffing:
- Assist graduate students in the lab.
- Help supervise undergraduate students.
Please attach a cover letter, resume, and three names of professional reference as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check.
REQUIRES:
- Bachelor’s degree in biology, biomaterials, bioengineering, microbiology, physiology, or equivalent; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Typically requires 6 months experience including:
- DNA Cloning, or
- PCR, or
- DNA/RNA isolations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
HIGHLY Desirable:
- Experience with
- immunohistochemistry,
- tissue harvesting and embedding,
- paraffin section, and
- protein assays.
- Experience with small animal studies.
- Experience with biodegradable scaffold preparation.
Note to Applicant: Applicants should assure their application/resume and cover letter illustrate the work experience they have that demonstrates the qualifications and competencies listed above. Unless otherwise noted, the proficiency level required for the position is Basic and Working Experience.
- Basic Experience is defined as using basic understanding of the field to perform job duties; may need some guidance on job duties; applies learning to recommend options to address unusual situations.
- Working Experience is defined as successfully completes diverse tasks of the job; applies and enhances knowledge and skill in both usual and unusual issues; needs minimal guidance in addressing unusual situations.
The Research Assistant is the 1st of 4 levels in the Research Professional (PRK) job family. For more information about this job family visit: https://hris.uiowa.edu/CC_Redesign/driver.php?ACTION=DETAIL&FAMILY=PRK.
Application materials should clearly indicate qualifications for advertised position.
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, religion, associational preference, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.