The Carver College of Medicine Department of Neurosurgery is seeking an enthusiastic Research Assistant to support the Greenlee Lab. The Research Assistant will carry out research on activity in the human brain during speech and cognitive tasks, focusing on the role of subcortical activity (subthalamic nucleus and thalamus) in speech production. This research uses local field potentials (LFPs) and neuronal spike data from intraoperative research recordings to examine brain activity in regions of interest. The Greenlee Lab is a fast-paced, innovative environment with research focused on the cortical mechanisms subserving human language and vocalization. The lab is particularly interested in Parkinson's disease and essential tremor, though staff members frequently work with a variety of other neurosurgical cases. Many research participants are undergoing Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) as a treatment for a movement disorders, and awake neurosurgeries provide a unique opportunity to study neural activity. Duties and responsibilities include:

• Carry out a variety of data analysis with minimal oversight, seeking guidance when needed.
• Maintain appropriate documentation in accordance with Institutional Review Board (IRB) regulations.
• Process and analyze neuronal recordings using provided MATLab and Python scripts.
• Perform behavioral experiments, such as intraoperative speech recordings in human subjects during clinical procedures.
• Perform experiments independently based on protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project, this includes set up and operation of research materials/equipment, reading and understanding protocols, arranging and planning daily activities for experiments to meet overall research goals, and performing procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.
• Track progress of research, identify any failure points, troubleshoot, consult with others when necessary/helpful, and ensure continued progress of research to meet goals.
• Read and review research articles to develop knowledge of the research area. As knowledge/skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypotheses for discussion with other researchers and the principal investigator.
• Adhere to safety and regulatory guidelines. Assist with ensuring that the working environment and records/documentation are compliant with applicable health and safety regulations. Collate documentation for protocol submissions (IRB, etc.) as requested.
• Keep detailed records of experiments. Present research results verbally at lab meetings. Prepare written research results for publication. Present research results at research conferences, locally and nationally
• Order and maintain records of drugs/chemical agents and other supplies. Assist in the maintenance of lab equipment, monitoring lab inventory, arranging service contracts, and interfacing with technicians and vendors.
• Assist students and postdocs with experiments as requested by the principal investigator.

Percent of Time: 100% Please note: This is a specified term position that will last 12 months. An extension may be reviewed after the initial 12 months but is not guaranteed. Research Associate Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in a neuroscience related field or computer science program is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Ability to work independently while being accountable and efficient with time management.

Desired

• Minimum of 1 year of progressively responsible experience in a relevant research or data analysis environment.
• Experience with neuronal recordings, such as EEG data.
• Basic programming skills in Python and MATLab.
• Experience with IRB and regulatory documentation.
• Familiarity with movement disorders, human subjects research, or a clinical environment.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a CV/resume and cover letter that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Be sure to mark the documents as a "Relevant File" to the submission when completing the application. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, contact Erin Curry at erin-curry@uiowa.edu . Additional Information

• Classification Title: Research Assistant
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Erin Curry
• Contact Email: erin-curry@uiowa.edu