The University of Iowa Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is seeking a Research Assistant to supervise operations of the Women's Health Tissue Repository located in the Santillan Lab. In particular, participate in the design, execution and control of laboratory projects and research studies: coordinate the processing and analysis of samples, data, and coordinate the conduct of experimental tests and procedures and develop new and revised research methodologies.

Characteristics Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop procedures for the Women's Health Tissue Repository
  • Develop and document protocols for all laboratory procedures.
  • Revise protocols based on changes in requirements of the laboratory and experimental trials.
  • Establish goals for the lab with input from the Laboratory Director. Plan and coordinate laboratory efforts in order to meet those goals.
  • Make recommendations to Laboratory Director based upon results of experimental procedures.
  • Perform analyses of relevant literature and incorporate findings into ongoing laboratory development.
  • Assist in IRB protocol modifications and continuing reviews.
• Coordinate sample collection, storage, retrieval, and use
  • Maintain tracking system to monitor age, storage conditions, and location of each sample.
  • Provide regular progress reports to Laboratory director and collaborators.
  • Designate priorities of projects and individual phases of projects to optimize lab efficiency and respond to needs of collaborators.
  • Coordinate workloads and scheduling to adapt to changes in project priorities.
  • Follow methods outlined in IRB approved protocols.
  • Maintain strictest level of patient/participant confidentiality.
• Assist collaborators with grant and IRB applications
  • Serve as a consultant to collaborators regarding tissue bank.
  • Provide collaborators with project time-frame estimates.
  • Provide collaborators with sample use information.
• Work with collaborators
  • Regularly attend lab meetings and meetings with collaborators.
  • Obtain basic understanding of function of each project's disease of interest via literature searches.
  • Devise analysis strategies and work with collaborators to carry them out.
  • Provide progress reports at lab meetings.
  • Educate collaborators and their associates regarding aspects of projects done in our lab.
  • Regularly check e-mail communications from collaborators and provide appropriate and timely responses.
  • Maintain organized record of e-mail communications relevant to each project.
• Assist collaborators with publication preparation
  • Provide accurate data and perform appropriate analyses of all data.
  • Provide documentation materials necessary for the publication.
  • Perform or arrange necessary photographic documentation.
  • Provide detailed written accounts of all procedures performed in this laboratory.
  • Participate in planning for follow-up projects and experiments.
• Perform research within the laboratory
  • Conduct critical analyzes of literature relevant to research undertaken.
  • Coordinate the experimental tests and plan the processing and analyzes of research data obtained and conduct or participate in staff conferences related to the progress of the projects.
  • Assist in the design and implementation of complex data processing and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Staff supervision
• • Assist with writing of advertisements for additional personnel.
  • Assist with all phases of hiring of additional personnel.
  • Write job descriptions for all laboratory personnel.
  • Train all new personnel.
  • Monitor adherence to job description and to established protocols.
  • Devise work schedules based upon needs of personnel and the laboratory.
  • Supervise and train undergraduates within the laboratory.

• Maintenance of laboratory facilities and equipment
  • Follow OSHA regulations and guidelines for maintenance of laboratory facilities.
  • Ensure proper maintenance of all laboratory equipment according to guidelines.
  • Respond immediately to equipment malfunctions.
  • Wash and sterilize labware on a weekly basis for routine use.
  • Order supplies to maintain adequate inventory based on laboratory schedule.
  • Clean tissue culture room based on established protocols.
  • Perform and oversee general lab tasks.
• Perform special projects or studies as requested. Perform projects or studies at time and location agreed upon unless extenuating circumstances are demonstrated and approved.

Required Qualifications:

• Academic knowledge of a discipline, including study of demonstrated capacity for research at a level that is generally associated with a Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to use and maintain general lab equipment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience writing and editing Standard Operating Procedures
• Skilled in the use of Prism, Endnote, Cytovision, and Adobe software products
• Experience in Database Management
• Trained in laboratory safety and procedures, including BSL2, blood borne pathogens, and sterile techniques
• Skilled in cryopreservation/snap freezing techniques of cells and tissues
• Skilled in Mammalian and human cell culture- primary and cell lines

Position and Application Details:

• In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume and mark them as a relevant file to the submission.
• 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 Cassie Burrill at cassie-burrill@uiowa.edu .

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

• Pay Level: 3A

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Cassie Burrill
• Contact Email: cassie-burrill@uiowa.edu