Address
Form of workUniversity of Iowa Health Care Department of Otolaryngology is seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to perform research in the area of complementology. The RA will perform clinical testing. The RA will work with frozen serum and plasma samples received into the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories - Clinical Diagnostics Services (MORL CDS) for Functional and Biomarker testing. The RA will perform sample accessioning, aliquoting, perform assays, report results, maintain inventory and quality management for the CDS. Duties to include:
- Research: Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff, senior research scientist, or principal investigator of the research project.
- Conduct Experiments: Conduct biochemical assay such as ELISAs, immune-electrophoresis, complement activity assay and other functional assays.
- Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contributes to Manuscripts, Publications: Manage large data sets and maintain highly organized and detailed research and experimental records.
- Administrative and Project Management: Perform a variety of routine tasks related to the recruitment, enrollment, and monitoring of research subjects or to the research environment (lab, clinic, field, classroom).
- Facilities and Equipment Management: Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.
- Supervision/Staffing: May train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.
BASIC FUNCTION
We are looking for a Research Assistant to help manage the lab, assist with IRB protocols, assist with grant applications, conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, train new students, and help write manuscripts. There are significant opportunities for growth, publication, presentation at national and international meetings, and leadership experience.
Research in the natural, health, physical, and social sciences is included in this job family. Key areas of responsibilities include conducting research activities/experiments, collecting, analyzing and summarizing data, preparing reports, contributing to manuscripts/publications, administrative and project management, facilities and equipment management, and supervision/staffing.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
Research:
Track information in MS Word and Excel spreadsheets for research purposes.
Utilize EPIC to associate patients to research studies.
Extract data from EPIC system to compare patient electronic records with recorded information.
Perform data entry and correction on source documents and into electronic data capture system.
Prepare progress reports and provide regulatory support for sponsored research studies to FDA or study sponsors.
Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.
Read and review articles as directed.
Present at lab meetings.
As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypothesis for discussion with senior research scientist or principal investigator.
Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:
Read and understand protocols.
Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols.
Set up and operate research materials or equipment.
Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.
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.
As individual skills develop troubleshoot, analyze and propose modifications to protocols and SOPs; perform complex techniques per protocols and SOPs; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; pay present results at team meetings.
Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications:
Collect and track, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used.
Prepare materials for reports.
As skills develop, analyze data.
Contribute to publications.
May present results/finding at team, departmental, national and international meetings.
Administrative and Project Management:
Assist with IRB protocol submissions.
Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.
Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.
May initiate financial transactions.
Facilities and Equipment Management:
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.
Supervision/Staffing:
As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.
UNIVERSAL COMPETENCIES
Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contribution of individuals from varied cultures, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
Ability to utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future organizational goals/needs. Able to demonstrate ethical behavior in diverse situations while producing results.
Ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.
JOB FAMILY TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
Knowledge of formal methodologies, tools and techniques for conducting research, studies and tests.
Knowledge of and the ability to locate, interpret and evaluate research findings compiled and documented by others and use this material to support empirical research.
Knowledge of and ability to utilize tools and techniques for producing well-written, meaningful and usable documentation of research findings.
Knowledge of practices, behaviors, applicable laws, rules, and regulations governing proper research conduct; ability to demonstrate ethical and compliant behavior in diverse situations.
Knowledge of the procedures and programs in place in the organization to ensure employee, student and subject safety (occupational safety, fire, patient, animal, drug, radiation, environmental safety and emergency plans); ability to train others; ability to take appropriate actions in case of emergency.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Supervision is received from senior research scientist and the Principal Investigator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Functional supervision may be exercised over support staff and students.
About Otolaryngology
The department of Otolaryngology was founded in 1922, the department is one of the oldest in the United States and one of the most comprehensive in the world. Our department prides itself on its highest standards of patient care. For this we credit the balance that we strike between clinical work, training, and research. Each of these elements contributes to a thorough and compassionate approach to patient care.
Required Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Basic programming background (MATLAB, LabView, and/or Python) is desirable but not required.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Desire to work as part of a team and train new students is required.
Desirable Qualifications
Prior experience working in a lab is desired
Experience with complement assays is desirable.
Basic programming background (MATLAB, LabView, and/or Python) is desired
Experience working with IRB is desired.
Position and 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 subject to a criminal background check and education/credential verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Internal Medicine HR at Intmed-hr-apps@uiowa.edu
Benefits Highlights
- Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
- The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: Benefits | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)
