Neurology Research Assistant - Buchanan Lab at University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa

Job Description:

The Department of Neurology is seeking a Research Assistant to support the Buchanan Laboratory in research surrounding the basic mechanisms of epilepsy, sleep-wake and circadian regulation, understanding how sleep state and time of day influence survival from a seizure, and in understanding how seizures impact dementias. This position will run experiments, as well as perform stereotactic surgery, genotyping, animal husbandry, tissue fixation, tissue slicing, and tissue staining.


Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.
• Procedures, including: stereotactic surgery (especially for acute injections and intracranial electrode/fiber implantation); implantation of EEG electrodes; seizure inductions (electrical and chemical); identification and assessment of seizures on video and/or EEG; determination of sleep state; circadian wheel-running behavior; intracardiac perfusion for tissue fixation; tissue slicing; tissue staining via Nissl and immunohistochemistry; post-hoc verification of implant; genotyping.
• Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols.
• Set up and operate research materials or equipment.
• Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.
• Track progress of research activities.
• 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.
• Collect and track data, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used.
• Prepare materials for reports.
• Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications. Present results/findings at group and departmental meetings.
• Assist with ACURF or similar protocol submissions.
• Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.
• Manage animal colony including breeding, back-crossing, weaning, animal identification, and genotyping for a wide range of mouse lines. Genotyping will include sample collection, DNA extractions, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and gel interpretation.
  Animal management may require early morning and/or weekend duties as needed.
• Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
• Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.

For full job description, email the contact below.


Pay Grade: 3A


Percent of Time: 100%


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.



Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one year of progressively responsible experience in research.
• Ability to work with a multidisciplinary team of researchers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Previous experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This experience should be evidenced with programming tasks that can accommodate complex and extensive experimental protocols (e.g., published protocols).

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with laboratory animals, including genotyping and surgery.
• Knowledge in epilepsy models and experience with in vivo electrophysiology.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Strong work ethic and hard work in order to help and lead research projects.
• Experience with design/modification of experimental protocols, evaluation of adequacy given scientific goals.

Please attach a resume and letter of interest 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 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 information, contact erin-curry@uiowa.edu or 319-356-7355.


Additional Information

• Classification Title: Research Assistant
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Erin Curry
• Contact Email: erin-curry@uiowa.edu

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