Assoc Research ScientistEngin Iowa Neuroscience Institute

The Associate Research Scientist will support the daily operation of scientific services in the Iowa NeuroBank Core in the Iowa Neuroscience Institute. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for implementing cutting-edge spatial -omics technologies and overseeing some aspects of the day-to-day operation of the core facility. Competitive job candidates should have a solid foundation in standard molecular biology lab techniques expertise in single cell / nuclei RNA seq and experience with spatial addition to performing spatial -omics workflows the individual will provide technical support for highly specialized equipment and help users troubleshoot technical issues. The ideal candidate is a reliable and highly organized individual who can work independently and collaborate with researchers across many career levels and departments.

This position provides the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment and contribute to a wide variety of research projects to seek answers to fundamental questions about brain function in health and disease.

Key Areas of Responsibility :

Experiments Simulations Modeling or Theoretical Investigations : Initiate research design and methodology. Originate design research conduct and coordination. Maintain laboratory equipment as needed. Develop hypotheses to be tested and select methodology. Work independently on complex research tasks with oversight by Faculty or Principal Investigator.

Data / Research Analysis and Evaluation : Perform advanced data analysis techniques. Develop new applications of existing data analysis techniques.

Dissemination of Research Results : May prepare and submit first author manuscripts for publication. Demonstrate strong publication record. May contribute to public data archives or other resources; e.g. software models or on-line tools to support scientific research.

Research Proposals / Grants : Serve as co-PI contribute to research proposals and funding agency reports. May write research proposal to obtain independent funding as PI. Select and purchase equipment as needed.

Service : Seek leadership opportunities appropriate to the scientific discipline which may include serving on proposal review panels. May serve on departmental or University committees. May organize outreach efforts in alliance with funding sources. Serve as a session chair or organize sessions at professional meetings.

Human Resources / Supervision : Mentor graduate students. May provide functional and / or administrative supervision for staff. Provide direction assignments feedback coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.

Our mission is to inspire and educate world class health care providers and scientists for the people of Iowa and our global community. Researchers in the Colleges over 280 laboratories are served by state-of-the-art core research facilities and research support facilities. Much of the research conducted is interdisciplinary and collaborations are fostered and coordinated through major research centers institutes and programs. Many faculty members are internationally renowned for their research. Two faculty members are Howard Hughes Institute Investigators 12 are members of the Institute of Medicine and two are members of the National Academy of Sciences.

Position Responsibilities

Work with investigators to design experiments

Carry out established spatial -omics workflows

Carry out tissue histological preparation as part of spatial -omics workflow (e.g. immunofluorescence H&E stains)

Prepare cDNA libraries for next-generation sequencing experiments related to spatial -omics workflow

Carry out tissue microscopy imaging experiments as part of spatial -omics workflow

Perform experiments independently based on standard protocols developed by manufacturers other research staff or principal investigator of the research project. Develop protocols as needed. Set up and operate research materials / equipment. Read and understand protocols. Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare and carry out experiments to meet overall research goals. Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols. Track progress of research identify any failure points troubleshoot consult with others when necessary / helpful and ensure continued progress of research to meet goals

Read and review research articles to develop knowledge of the research area and stay up to date on the newest technologies in spatial -omics. As knowledge / skills develop analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with other researchers and the core director

Adhere to safety and regulatory guidelines. Assist with ensuring that the working environment and records / documentation are compliant with applicable health and safety regulations. Collate documentation for protocol submissions (IACUC IBC etc.) as requested

Keep detailed records of experiments. Present research results to stakeholders. Assist in preparation of written research results for publication

Order and maintain records of drugs / chemical agents and other supplies. Assist in the maintenance of lab equipment monitoring lab inventory arranging service contracts and interfacing with technicians and vendors

Assist students and postdocs with experiments as appropriate

Percent of Time : 100%

Type of Position : Specified Term. Appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and extension of funding.

Pay Grade : 6A - Requirements

Ph.D. degree in a biomedical field preferably neuroscience genetics or closely related field

Experience Requirements

Expert in basic molecular biology lab techniques including DNA / RNA isolation cDNA library preparation PCR

Experience with RNA-seq Next Gen Sequencing technologies

Experience with spatial -omics technologies (e.g. MERSCOPE Visium Xenium)

Experience with histological tissue preparation (cryosectioning IHC tissue staining) and neuroanatomy

Strong foundation of molecular biology and biochemistry knowledge

Experience with light microscopy (transmitted and / or fluorescent)

A minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible postdoctoral experience in a relevant research laboratory environment

Publication record commensurate with career stage

Excellent written and verbal communication skills organizational skills and interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently while being accountable and efficient with time management

Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment

Desired Qualifications

Experience with analysis of spatial or single cell transcriptomic datasets

Lab management experience

Application Process : In order to be considered applicants must upload a CV or resume and cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

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 questions on this position please reach out to Anne Beyerink

Additional Information

Compensation

Contact Information

Key Skills

Laboratory Experience,Machine Learning,Python,AI,Bioinformatics,C / C++,R,Biochemistry,Research Experience,Natural Language Processing,Deep Learning,Molecular Biology

Employment Type : Full Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1