Non-UI Student Researcher - Aldridge Lab

The University of Iowa Department of Neurology is seeking a summerstudent researcher for the Aldridge Laboratory.

Join a growing neuroscience laboratory under the guidance of an active clinician-scientist (Georgina Aldridge, MD, PhD). The primary research goal of this laboratory is to understand mechanisms by which dementia with Lewy Body (a Parkinson's disorder), affects the brain, leading to diverse and devastating symptoms.

Responsibilities involve assisting with general laboratory operations including ordering supplies and reagents; maintaining lab protocols and stock solutions; performing basic bench work; and maintaining mouse colonies. Student will not be expected to have prior knowledge of any laboratory skills and will be trained on all tasks by senior personnel in the laboratory.

Other responsibilities may include immunohistochemistry of proteinopathy (synuclein) spread through the brain in a mouse model of Lewy body disease and in human brain tissue, analysis of data from 2-photon imaging of awake behaving mice using cranial windows, tracking the effect of alpha-synuclein on cortical cells by evaluating calcium dynamics, analysis of neuronal firing (using gCAMP indicators), as well as structural changes in dendritic spines and axons (using structural imaging). Individuals with programming and computer science experience without lab experience (eg: machine learning, biostatistics, or other analysis techniques) are also encouraged to apply as there are opportunities for analysis of existing data).

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 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

For additional questions, please contact Erin Curry at 319-356-7355 or erin-curry@uiowa.edu.

Required Qualifications:

* Current enrollment in a higher education institution (e.g., college, university, etc.)

* Evidence of dedication to completing tasks and willingness to work at agreed upon times

* Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate (written and spoken) effectively to collaborators

Desired Qualifications:

* Prior research or neurodegenerative dementia experiences

* Basic knowledge and experience with MATLAB or equivalent coding and/or biological/behavioral data analysis.