University of Iowa · 8 hours ago
Research Assistant - Microbiology and Immunology (Perlman Lab)
Iowa City, IA
Full-time
Onsite
New Grad, Entry Level
0+ years expThe University of Iowa's Department of Microbiology and Immunology is seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join Dr. Stanley Perlman's lab, focusing on coronavirus-host interactions. The role involves conducting experiments, managing animal colonies, and contributing to research projects in a collaborative environment.
Higher Education
No H1B
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
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 in vivo 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
On our beautiful campus spanning the Iowa River, our faculty and staff enjoy access to an array of cultural, educational, and recreational activities.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Kurt H.
Assoc. Professor, E-MBA Business, UI College of Business; Advised 300 companies globally, CEO
Vince Nelson
President & CEO
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