Research Assistant - Microbiology and Immunology (Weber Lab)

This Research Assistant position is in the laboratory of Dr. Mary Weber in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology it is needed to assist with cutting-edge research aimed at understanding how Chlamydia trachomatis and Orientia tsutsugamushi secretion system effector proteins subvert host cell processes. This will employ molecular cellular biochemical and genetic techniques.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Research:Perform research activities in a specialized area. Research literature as requested. Adapt and perform protocols from the literature. Critically review literature for the purposes of furthering the research and developing hypotheses in conjunction with other investigators.

Experiment Investigations Evaluations: Perform basic and complex procedures and techniques as outlined in research protocol assure fidelity to protocols may propose modifications to protocols and/or assist in the design of research protocols. Design portions of research plan. Monitor test and evaluate current procedures. Identify and adherer to Quality Assurance practices to maintain validity and integrity of research data. Apply new methods/theories.

Collect Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts Publications: May perform statistical analysis of data and qualitative analysis. Assist in the design of manuals questionnaires and forms. Assist in preparing publications and presentations. May contribute to the technical writing of papers manuscripts grant applications and published materials as evidenced by documented recognition. Present results/ findings at team and departmental meetings; may present at local and national meetings.

Administrative and Project Management: Responsible for following guidelines and maintaining required documentation in support of safety programs. Assist with documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines. Assist with occasional shipping of research reagents.

Facilities and Equipment Management: Coordinate and manage equipment and facilities. Monitor environment risks and quality control. Test new equipment and troubleshoot and resolve complex equipment failures and repairs. Coordinate software licenses as necessary to complete projects.

Supervision/Staffing: As skills develop may train provide directions assignments feedback coaching and counseling of students and newer employees.

Position Summary:

• Perform library and online research on specified topics for use in experimentation
• Perform experimental studies based on given hypotheses and goals; evaluate and record outcomes of experiments based on hypotheses and goals and submit for investigators inspection
• Assist in the analysis and interpretation of experiments
• Observe techniques in other laboratories for implementation in our laboratory
• Complete work within specified time guidelines; discuss progress and any problems as needed
• Maintain and passage multiple cell lines
• Purify chlamydia from infected cells by density gradient
• Use immunofluorescent microscopy to titer bacterial stocks
• Perform molecular biology experiments including cloning construction of vectors for expression in chlamydial and make mutants using site-specific gene inactivation
• Prepare chemical solutions and media according to established protocols
• Maintain bacterial and eukaryotic stocks and inventory
• Present research progress at laboratory and journal club meetings
• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts and grants by organizing data and preparing images figures and tables as directed
• Assist in completion of required paperwork for new and departing laboratory personnel including annual training biohazard safety laboratory safety and fire safety training
• Assist in maintaining accurate records of laboratory databases (equipment and supplies reagents microbial strains and stocks and animals)
• Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment including the timely ordering receiving and proper storage of supplies and equipment
• Assist in maintaining general laboratory functionality
• Assist in developing new protocols
• Maintain a clean work area
• May assist in the BSL3

Percent of Time:100%

Staff Type:Professional & Scientific

Type of Position:Specified Term. Initial appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.

Pay Grade:3A - Highlights:

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health dental life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans

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