Assistant Research Scientist/Engineer - Ophthalmology (Fingert Lab)

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Assistant Research Scientist/Engineer for Dr. John Fingert's lab. The Assistant Research Scientist/Engineer - Fingert Lab serves as a member of a multidisciplinary laboratory focused on disease modeling and therapeutics development for patients with inherited glaucoma and other inherited optic nerve diseases. This position assists the Principal Investigator (Dr. John Fingert, MD, PhD) in the design, interpretation, and control of experiments in a cellular and molecular research laboratory. The Assistant Research Scientist/Engineer also coordinates and supervises task execution by technicians and students, including the interpretation and evaluation of research data. Key duties include:

• Assist in designing and planning experiments for various projects with the Principal Investigator, including in-depth literature research to evaluate the current standard for specific experimental protocols. May coordinate responsibilities for ongoing research among technicians and students, as well as interpret and evaluate results in real time.
• Generate, maintain, and differentiate human induced pluripotent stem cells for use in disease modeling projects.
• Use recombinant DNA techniques to correct mutations in patient-derived cells and analyze correction efficiency. Tasks may include identifying the genomic target, building the targeting and correction cassettes, testing the efficiency of targeting and correction in HEK cells and patient cell lines, and analyzing results to determine off-targeting effects.
• Assist the Principal Investigator in compilation and evaluation of data for preparation of manuscripts for publication in scientific journals, grant applications, and posters/talks for local and international scientific conferences.
• Prepare posters/talks and represent the Dr. John Fingert lab at local and international scientific conferences as needed.
• Contribute to new or continuing research grant proposals to obtain funding for research activities as well as to progress reports required by funding agencies.
• Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.®
Percent of Time: 100%
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-5:00p
Location: UIHC, Iowa City
Rotations: N/A
Work Modality: This position is performed fully on campus.
Salary: $53,192 - Commensurate
Pay Level: 5A
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A Ph.D. in Biology, Molecular Biology, or another related biological science field, and one or more years of postdoctoral training with progressively responsible work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in human iPSC generation, maintenance, and differentiation, and aseptic technique
• Experience with standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., cloning, nucleic acid and protein isolation from human and animal tissue samples, PCR/qPCR, and Western blot), common cell biology techniques (e.g., immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry), and tissue culture techniques (i.e., establishing and maintaining primary cell lines and human iPSCs).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Three or more years of experience in cellular and molecular biology research of human disease
• Experience with CRISPR-Cas genome editing technology
• Strong publication record
• Proficiency with Macintosh computers, including the applications Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Adobe Photoshop, LaserGene, and EndNote software
• Previous experience supervising students and technicians in a research laboratory setting.

POSITION & APPLICATION DETAILS
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 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. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
For additional questions, please contact Melissa Monhollon, HR Manager, at melissa-monhollon@uiowa.edu or 319-356-4674.