Research Assistant - Infectious Diseases

The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics department of Internal Medicine is seeking a Research Associate to support research by conducting experiments, collecting and analyzing results and performing operational duties associated with the laboratory (bench and field), animal or human research. Research in the natural, health, physical and social sciences is included in this job family. Key areas of responsibilities include conducting 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.

This position is within the Infectious Diseases division of Internal Medicine supporting the Tan lab. This lab focuses on researching the human immune response to viruses. The research team studies human blood cells to better understand how the immune system fights infections by performing staining analysis of monkey tissues to understand how viruses enter the brain and cause infections.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Research:

• Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project.
• Read and review articles as directed.
• As individual skills develop, analyze literature to develop hypothesis for discussion with other researchers or principal investigator.

Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:

• Read and understand protocols.
• Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols.
• Set up and operate research materials or equipment.
• Perform procedures assuring fidelity to protocols.
• Recruit, consent and enroll research subjects; perform varied tasks in the research environment (lab, clinic, field, classroom).
• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.
• Collect, record and consolidate data as directed by the Principal Investigator.
• Track progress of research activities.
• Adhere to Quality Assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research 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; pay 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.
• Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications.
• May present results/finding at team and departmental meetings.

Administrative and Project Management:

• Assist with IRB, ACURF or similar protocol submissions, if applicable.
• Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.
• Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory 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, monitor accounts/expenditures; reconcile statements.