University of Iowa Health Care Department of Otolaryngology is seeking a Research Assistant to perform clinical molecular diagnostic testing in the area of genetic hearing loss and rare complement-mediated renal disease.. The Research Assistant (RA) will work with whole blood, saliva and DNA samples received into the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories – Clinical Diagnostics Services (MORL CDS). The RA will perform sample accessioning, DNA extraction and quantification, perform PCR, Sanger sequencing and MLPA testing, develop primers, perform next generation sequencing (NGS), evaluate genetic variants using computation methods, report results, maintain inventory and quality management for the CDS. Key areas of responsibilities include conducting clinical and 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 renal and hearing clinical and research laboratory molecular biology methodologies.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Research:

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

Perform data entry and correction on source documents and into electronic data capture system.

Prepare progress reports and provide support for the genetic CDS team.

Perform clinical laboratory activities based upon protocols developed by other staff or principal investigator.

Read and review articles as directed.

As individual skills develop, 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, sanger sequencing, and MLPA (multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification).

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

Perform next generation sequencing (NGS)

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

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

Develop primers, amplimer, and protocol optimization.

Arrange and plan daily activities to coordinate with genetic CDS team members to meet weekly deadlines.

Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.

Perform varied tasks in the clinical laboratory.

Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.

Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.

Track progress of clinical laboratory activities.

Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of the 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 in tracking various indicators of project progress.

Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

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.

Supervision/Staffing:

As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.

As skills develop, 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 EXERCISED