Research Assistant Neurology
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Job Summary
The University of Iowa Health Care department of Neurology is looking for a Research Assistant to support the Dr. Qiang (Johnson) Zhang in the Narayanan Laboratory a fast-paced lab that studies the mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction dementia and Parkinsons disease. This position is responsible for working with animals and performing aseptic surgery neurophysiology optogenetics and histology.
Position Responsibilities
- Runs mice on operant behavioral tasks.
- Performs drug injections and administers drugs to mice.
- Performs stereotaxic surgery implanting small hardware under aseptic procedures.
- Documents and tracks daily activities.
- Interacts with others both internal and external to the lab about studies.
- Works on other projects as deemed appropriate.
Pay Grade: 3A - of Time: 100%
Please note: This is a specified term position that will last 12 months. An extension may be reviewed after the initial 12 months but is not guaranteed.
The Narayanan Laboratory is dedicated to working towards new knowledge biomarkers and targeted treatments for human brain disease. The labs research goal is to map cognitive circuits to identify novel biomarkers and treatments for brain diseases that impair higher-order thought. To that end studies focus on cortical and basal ganglia circuits defined by dopamine which is relevant to Parkinsons disease as well as schizophrenia ADHD and Alzheimers disease. The lab uses a combination of electroencephalography (EEG) neuronal ensemble recordings optogenetics brain stimulation and behavioral neuroscience from rodents to humans.
Education Requirements
- Bachelors degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in relevant field of science psychology or neuroscience preferred.
Experience Requirements
- Knowledge of basic experimental design in animal models and biological psychology/neuroscience.
- Experience with IT infrastructure and standard office software.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including effectively communicating (written and verbally) with vendors collaborators and project researchers.
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills reliability.
Desired Qualifications
- Previous experience as a research assistant in a Psychology or Neuroscience lab.
- Basic knowledge and experience with MATLAB coding and/or biological/behavioral data analysis.
- Prior experience with rodent handling and husbandry.
Please attach a resume as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum 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 five (5) professional references may be requested at a later point in the recruitment.
If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19 2025 Presidential Proclamation please note that the department will not cover the $100000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.
Please direct questions to Lilli Wulff at
Required Experience:
Junior IC
About Company
The University of Iowa is a top-tier public research university in Iowa City—home to more than 32,000 students, offering world-class programs across 200+ fields of study, renowned especially for its creative writing, acclaimed medical center, and balanced excellence in the arts and sc ... View more
