Research Assistant

The department of Otolaryngology at University of Iowa Health care is seeking a Research Assistant. This person will provide support for research by preparing and submission of new and annual ACURF or similar protocol submissions. Prepare progress reports and provide regulatory support for sponsored research studies to study sponsors.. 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. Specifically, these responsibilities will apply within the setting of a hearing research laboratory utilizing animal, cell culture, histologic, electrophysiology and microscopic methodologies.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Research

Track information in MS Word and Excel spreadsheets for research purposes.

Performed 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.

As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypothesis for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.

Develop and validate genetic tests including investigation of genes, development of assays and evaluation of screening techniques.

Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations

Read and understand protocols.

Perform a variety of assays and experimental tests involving PCR and sequencing techniques.

Perform molecular biology techniques including RT-PCR, DNA extraction and quantification, gel electrophoresis.

Perform Sanger sequencing and Targeted capture with massively parallel sequencing.

Calibrate and operate laboratory equipment including thermalcyclers, centrifuges, and spectrophotometers.

Perform and meet proficiency and competency testing standards and maintain data and equipment records according to regulatory guidelines.

Develop primers, amplimer validation and protocol development.

Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols.

Set up and operate research materials or equipment.

Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.

Perform varied tasks in the research environment (lab)

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; perform complex techniques per protocol; test and evaluate current procedures; develop and implement procedures for monitoring data integrity; 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.

Evaluate data to establish relevance to the problem or problems being evaluated.

Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications and may present results/finding at team, departmental and national meetings.

Administrative And Project Management

Assist with ACURF or similar protocol submissions, if applicable.

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.

Provide public contact and customer service to physicians and genetic counselors requesting MORL genetic screening services.

Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.

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.

Instruct assistants in laboratory procedures and techniques; requisition supplies and materials.

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 a designated official.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functional supervision may be exercised over support staff and students.

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Excellent Written And Verbal Communication Skills Are Required.

Experience with molecular biology techniques including PCR, DNA extraction and quantification, gel electrophoresis is required.

Experience managing large data sets and maintaining highly organized and detailed research records is required.

Experience evaluating genetic variants for significance using computational methods is required.

Experience developing primers, amplimer validation and protocol development is required.

Demonstrated proficiency in computer software applications including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel and Microsoft Word is highly desirable.

Experience training others on procedures and techniques is highly desirable.

Experience with RT-PRC is desirable.

Experience preparing solutions and purchasing supplies is desirable.

Willingness to learn relevant lab protocols under supervision of the principal investigator and other research staff is required.

Experience With MS Excel, Word Is Required.

Understanding of research conduct as outlined in a research protocol is desirable.

Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and education/credential verification. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

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.

For additional questions, please contact Lydia Messer at lydia-messer@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)
  
  
  

Applicant Resource Center –

Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available!

Our Applicant Resource Center is now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital.

Hours

Tuesdays & Thursdays 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Or by appointment

Contact TAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.edu to schedule a time to visit.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Research Assistant
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus
  
  
  

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A
  
  
  

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Lydia Messer
• Contact Email: lydia-messer@uiowa.edu