University of Iowa Research · 4 weeks ago
Research Assistant - Microbiology and Immunology (Perlman Lab)
Iowa City, Iowa, United States
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
0+ years expUniversity of Iowa Research is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the laboratory of Dr. Stanley Perlman. The RA will contribute to ongoing research projects focused on coronavirus–host interactions, performing various laboratory techniques and gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative environment.
Research
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Maintain and manage mouse colonies, including routine care, health monitoring, and coordination with experimental needs, in compliance with approved animal care and use protocols
Contribute to active research projects by performing experiments using protocols developed by senior research staff or the principal investigator. Read and review articles as directed. As skills and experience grow, critically evaluate published studies and contribute to hypothesis development and experimental planning in collaboration with other researchers and the principal investigator
Conduct in vivo infectious disease research using mouse models infected with pathogenic human and murine coronaviruses
Organize and plan daily laboratory activities to ensure efficient preparation and execution of research procedures
Perform experimental procedures in BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments, ensuring adherence to biosafety and regulatory requirements
Participate in mouse necropsies and tissue dissections following approved protocols
Perform basic virological and immunological experiments, including virus growth curves, plaque assays and ELISAs
Carry out routine cell culture and related laboratory techniques
Prepare chemical solutions, buffers, and media according to established protocols, including proper handling, labeling, storage, and disposal of chemicals and solvents
As skills and experience develop, assist with troubleshooting, propose modifications or optimizations to protocols, perform more complex techniques, evaluate existing procedures and contribute to methods for monitoring data integrity
Collect, record, consolidate, and organize experimental data as directed by the Principal Investigator
Maintain accurate laboratory records, databases, and documentation (e.g., reagents, microbial strains and stocks, animals, equipment, and supplies)
Track progress of research activities in a laboratory notebook
Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment, including timely ordering, receiving, and proper storage
Assist with documentation to ensure compliance with safety, regulatory, and institutional requirements, including required training and certifications
Assist with occasional shipping of research reagents
Assist in maintaining general laboratory functionality and a clean, safe, and organized work environment
Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment
Assist with the procurement of supplies and materials
May initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts/expenditures, and reconcile statements
May train, provide directions, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees
Qualification
Required
A Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry or Biology, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum of 6 months total experience in laboratory research
Minimally familiar with, but ideally experience with molecular biology techniques such as cell culture, safe handling of pathogens, PCR, gel electrophoresis, plaque assays, flow cytometry, IHC and other microbiological/immunological methods)PCR, restriction digest, DNA ligation, bacterial transformation
Previous experience handling animals
Gathering, recording, and analyzing experimental data
Ability to effectively prioritize projects and consistently meet deadlines
Excellent organizational skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Preferred
Experience with handling laboratory animals and animal husbandry/maintenance of mouse breeding colonies
Previous work experience with animal models of infectious diseases
Previous experience with performing invivo mouse experiments
Experience using data analysis skills for Python, R/R studio, GraphPad PRISM, Flow Jo or other software
Experience working in a virology or immunology laboratory or a related field
Benefits
Fringe benefit package including paid vacation
Sick leave
Health, dental, life and disability insurance options
Generous employer contributions into retirement plans
Company
University of Iowa Research
The Office of the Vice President for Research is committed to forging new frontiers of discovery by providing resources and support to researchers and innovators at the University of Iowa, to promote a culture of creativity that enriches the campus, the state, and the world.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageCompany data provided by crunchbase