The research assistant will be responsible for designing, performing, and analyzing experiments related to fungal pathogenesis and antifungal drug discovery in the laboratory of Dr. Sarah Beattie. The successful applicant will perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project. Collect and track data, perform data entry for reports and maintain records of methods used. Prepare materials for abstracts/reports/grant applications & manuscripts.

Duties to include:

Research:

• Perform routine microbiological procedures including culturing organisms, preparing and sterilizing media and glassware, and basic microbiological assays following defined procedures and protocols
• Perform specialized drug screening procedures developed by the Principal Investigator including handling, screening, replication, and management of large chemical compound libraries
• Perform mechanism of actions studies of compounds of interest using biochemical, molecular biology and genetics

Data collection, analysis and interpretation:

• Read, understand and troubleshoot protocols; propose modifications to other researchers or principal investigator
• Collect and analyze data from experimental procedures and discuss results with the principal investigator
• Maintain organized records and lab notebooks of experimental design, data and result interpretation
• Prepare data/figures for publications or grant applications

Biosafety:

• Learn safe handling procedures for several pathogenic mold and yeast species
• Attend courses in safety for biosafety handling and containment, hazardous chemical use and disposal, flammable materials and toxic/corrosive chemicals
• Follow biosafety procedures and protocols

Administrative and Project Management:

• Assist in general lab operation including maintaining clean lab spaces, taking inventory of reagents and supplies
• Organize and maintain protocols and administrative documents
• Arrange and plan daily, weekly, and monthly activities to prepare for and perform experiments; coordinate multiple experiments simultaneously
• Track progress of research projects and regularly communicate with principal investigator both verbally and through regular one-on-one meetings

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology or related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience Requirements

• At least 12 months of research experience in microbiology, biochemistry or molecular biology
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with basic molecular biology techniques such as PCR, qRT-PCR, cloning, western blotting
• Experience with basic microbiological techniques including culturing organisms, preparing media sterile techniques
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Ability to work in a team
• Basic Microsoft suite skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with fungi or pathogenic organisms
• Experience in drug discovery/development or managing large compound libraries

Position and Application details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original 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, please contact pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.Additional Information

• Classification Title: Research Assistant
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

• Pay Level: 3A

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Natasha Johnson
• Contact Email: pedsuichildrenshr@healthcare.uiowa.edu