Temporary Research Assistant Temporary Research Assistant to assist research projects at the College of Dentistry in Drs. Cao and Van Otterloo's lab. Duties will include plasmid cloning, plasmid preparation, cell culture, maintenance & management of mouse breeding & genotyping, tissue processing, data organization and analysis. Collaborate and assist with other research projects in Dr.'s Cao/Van Otterloo labs. Participate and present in weekly lab meetings. Job Duties: * Assist in planning steps in molecular biology research * Coordinate projects within the lab. * Perform and keep detailed records of mouse matings/genotyping/tissue preparations. * Prepare samples to obtain original research results. * Perform tissue processing, sectioning, staining, and analysis. * Perform molecular and cell biology techniques including PCR, DNA electrophoresis, plasmid cloning/subcloning, plasmid mini/midi/maxi-prep, DNA/RNA isolation, immunohistochemistry, RNA in situ hybridization, and protein assays (e.g. Western blots) * Prepare DNA, RNA, or protein samples for analysis. * Execute animal-based research including tissue dissection, obtaining biological samples (embryos) from mice. * Prepare data for analysis and assist in research and generating figures or tables to report research data for publication purposes. * Use Excel to perform simple descriptive statistics such as calculating mean, standard deviation, standard error, etc., and inferential statistics such as t-test, ANOVA, etc. * Participate and present in weekly lab meetings. * Assist in the maintenance of lab equipment (such as incubators, Imagers, and liquid nitrogen tanks) * Order supplies and maintain supply cabinet including production of buffers and stock solutions. * Order and maintain gas tanks. * Organize regular cleaning schedules of key research areas. * Participate in weekend lab checks of freezers, incubators and other key equipment, if necessary. * Participate in weekend checks of the mouse room, if necessary. * Assist graduate students in the lab. * Provide oversight and guidance to undergraduate student employees. * Other duties as assigned. REQUIRED Qualifications: * Bachelor's degree in dental medicine, biology, molecular biology, anatomy and/or physiology, biochemistry, genetics, or equivalent; or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. * Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. HIGHLY Desirable Qualifications: * 6 months relevant experience including: Plasmid Cloning, or PCR, or DNA/RNA isolations. * Experience with: o immunohistochemistry, o tissue harvesting and embedding, o paraffin section, and o protein assays. Desirable Qualifications: * Mouse handling, husbandry, and genotyping. * Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative environment. * Knowledge and research experience in oral and craniofacial biology. Anticipate 30-40 Hours/week, M-F, 8am-5pm (may require occasional weekend hours) HOURLY RATE OF PAY: $19.98 Position NOT Eligible for University Sponsorship of Employment Authorization |
University of Iowa
Apr 04, 2025