Research Assistant or Associate- Genetic Team

*The Department of Otolaryngology is growing and intends to hire at either the Research Assistant or Research Associate role. This classification will be based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. You must notate on their Cover Letter the classification (Research Assistant or Research Associate) you wish to be considered for or indicate both.

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Otolaryngology is seeking a Research Assistant or Associate

to perform clinical molecular diagnostic testing in the areas of genetic hearing loss and rare complement-mediated renal disease. The Research Associate or Assistant (RA) will work with whole blood, saliva, and DNA samples received into the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories – Clinical Diagnostics Services (MORL CDS).  The RA will perform sample accessioning, DNA extraction and quantification, PCR, Sanger sequencing, MLPA testing, develop primers, perform next generation sequencing (NGS), evaluate genetic variants using computation methods, 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 a renal and hearing clinical and research laboratory molecular biology methodologies. This position is from (8am – 5pm) Monday through Friday.

Education Requirements:

  • Research Associate:  

  •  A Master of Science degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference: Biology, Microbiology, Genetics or Similar

  • Research Assistant:

  • A bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference: Microbiology, Biology, Genetics or similar

 

Summer Research Opportunities

Summer research opportunities are available for medical students and undergraduates. If interested, contact Richard Smith, MD (richard-smith@uiowa.edu).

Research Associate- Functional Team

University of Iowa Health Care Department of Otolaryngology is seeking a Research Associate to perform clinical functional testing in the area of complement-mediated rare renal disease. The Research Associate will support clinical and research efforts while contributing to the overall success of the functional team in the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories – Clinical Diagnostics Services (MORL CDS). This advanced-level position involves conducting experiments, managing data, and assisting in the development of hypotheses and protocols, with opportunities for professional growth. The 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.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., biology, biochemistry, immunology) with 3–5 years of wet lab experience in a biology laboratory.

Application Developer

The department of Otolaryngology at Iowa Health Care is seeking an Application Developer. This person will provide development for the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories’ Deafness Variation Database (DVD) and its supporting software. In concert with this long-term project, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of geneticists, bioinformaticians, genetic counselors, research scientists and clinicians.

Develop and support software projects related to and/or supporting the DVD including a variant annotation amalgamation and classification workflow and a genetic variant specialization of the Code Igniter/Laravel framework served publicly via a LAMP stack on a managed server.

Support interaction of the DVD with its clinical service/workflow counterpart called OtoSCOPE.

Design and implement projects as well as delegate tasks amongst a small development team.

Postdoctoral Fellow

A postdoctoral position is immediately available in the Molecular Otolaryngology and Renal Research Laboratories (MORL) at the University of Iowa.  The MORL research program in hearing research is focused on deciphering the genetic mechanisms underlying hearing disorders and developing new therapies for hearing loss.

We employ a multidisciplinary approach that includes next-generation-sequencing technologies (whole exome sequencing, RNA-seq and ChIP-seq), transgenic and knockout mice, cell culture, immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, molecular and biochemical assays and micro-RNA-based gene therapy. 

Applicants must have a Ph.D. degree, experience in molecular biology and genetics, and a committed desire to learn and apply cutting-edge technologies to hearing research.  Special attention will be given to applicants with experience in mice models for deafness and/or gene therapy.  Preferred candidates are highly motivated, independent, with excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills.  The candidate will join an exciting research environment with state-of-the-art facilities.  The position offers exceptional training in the genetics of neurosensory disorders and molecular therapeutics.

Please send a CV, including a summary of research experience and interests, as well as contact information for three references to Richard Smith, MD (richard-smith@uiowa.edu).

 

Graduate Student Program

Graduate students can enter the MORL through the Biosciences Program, the Interdepartmental Genetics PhD Program, the Medical Scientist Training Program or the Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Program.

Preliminary enquiries, together with a CV, should be sent to: morl@uiowa.edu

About the Department of Otolaryngology

The department of Otolaryngology was founded in 1922, the department is one of the oldest in the United States and one of the most comprehensive in the world. Our department prides itself on its highest standards of patient care. For this we credit the balance that we strike between clinical work, training, and research. Each of these elements contributes to a thorough and compassionate approach to patient care.

Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu.  For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.