The Assistant Research Scientist will be responsible for helping to maintain the laboratory and performing research related activities within the UI Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology. The successful applicant will use existing laboratory protocols to perform experiments related to neonatal immune development and neonatal infection/inflammation. These experiments will include both in vitro and in vivo mouse models and ex vivo human cell culture models. They will collect and track data, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used. Support tasks will include ordering and organizing lab materials and supplies, preparation of stock solutions and growth media and supervising graduate and undergraduate assistants.

It is expected that as assistant research scientist gains experience with laboratory techniques and procedures, they will take on increased autonomy and oversight in the lab. They will also gradually increase the scientific level of their duties by creating and refining protocols, adding experimental design and data analysis, as well as preparation of materials for abstracts/reports/grant applications & manuscripts. Promotion will be available in proportion to progress.

Duties to include:

Experiments

• Perform experiments based on established protocols, including animal experiments involving mice.
• Troubleshoot and analyze protocols and propose protocol modifications as needed.
• Develop new protocols based on the literature.
• Collect data and evaluate relevance of data.
• Work independently on basic research tasks with oversight by Faculty or Principal Investigator (PI).
• Contribute to documentation and maintenance of equipment and procedures.
• Participate in management and care of mouse colonies. This includes the submission of routine animal protocol documents.

Data/Research Analysis and Evaluation

• Analyze data for relevance and data integrity.
• Perform basic data analysis techniques.
• Compare results of scientific investigations to previously published work.

Dissemination of Research Results

• Present results at lab meetings.
• Prepare manuscripts for contributing author for publication.
• Present results in departmental seminars and at professional meetings.

Research Proposals/Grants

• Contribute to new or continuing research grant proposals to obtain funding for research activities.
• Contribute to progress reports required by funding agencies. Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.

Service

• Provide service to the scientific community, University and General Public.
• Review submitted manuscripts and research proposals.
• Consult and collaborate with the research community.
• May participate in national and international meetings within the discipline.

Human Resources/Leadership

• Mentor graduate and undergraduate students.
• May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for lab staff.
• Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.