Research Assistant-MORL
University of Iowa

The department of Otolaryngology at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is seeking a Research Assistant (RA) to perform clinical and research testing in the area of renal complementology. The RA will work with frozen serum and plasma samples received into the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories - Clinical Diagnostics Services (MORL CDS) for Functional and Biomarker testing. The RA will perform sample accessioning, aliquoting, perform assays, 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 renal complementology 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 functional 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 tests including investigation of proteins,
development of assays and evaluation of screening techniques.
• Present at lab meetings
Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:
• Read and understand protocols.
• Conduct biochemical assay such as ELISAs, immune-electrophoresis, complement activity assay
and other functional assays).
• Calibrate and operate laboratory equipment including plate readers, centrifuges, and tecan.
• Perform and meet proficiency and competency testing standards and maintain data and
equipment records according to regulatory guidelines.
• Arrange and plan daily activities to coordinate with functional 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:
• Manage large data sets and maintain highly organized and detailed research and experimental
records.
• Collect and track, perform data entry for clinical reports and maintain records of methods used.
• Prepare materials for reports.
• 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:
• Perform a variety of routine tasks related to the monitoring of research subjects or to the
research environment
• 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 requesting MORL 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.

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 is received from senior research scientist and the Principal Investigator.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Functional supervision may be exercised over support staff and students.

Required Qualifications:

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preference: Biology, Microbiology, or Similar is required
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication (both verbal and written) skills are required
Willingness to learn relevant lab protocols under supervision of the principal investigator and other staff is required

Proficiency in computer software applications, including Microsoft Office Suite
Ability to analyze information and situations, prioritize tasks, develop solutions to challenges
Ability to use good judgment while working independently and in a team setting
Desire to work as part of a team and train new students is required.

Desired Qualifications:
Experience preparing solutions and purchasing supplies
Understanding of clinical testing conduct as outlined in a testing protocol is desirable.
Demonstrated ability to resolve issues related to customer concerns or workflow changes and challenges.
Working knowledge with biochemical assays, ELISA, Radial Immunodiffusion

Successful candidates will be subject to a criminal background check and education/credential verification. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents 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.

For additional questions, please contact Lydia Messer at lydia-messer@uiowa.edu

Benefits Highlights

• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
• The University of Iowa offers a generous benefits package, including paid vacation and paid sick leave. Complete information regarding the full benefits package may be viewed at: Benefits | University Human Resources - The University of Iowa (uiowa.edu)
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Additional Information

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

Compensation

• Pay Level: 3A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Lydia Messer
• Contact Email: lydia-messer@uiowa.edu

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