Research Specialist - Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC) Metabolomics Core Facility)

The Fraternal Order of Eagles Diabetes Research Center (FOEDRC) Metabolomics Core Facility at the University of Iowa, is pleased to announce an open research specialist position. Led by Director Dr. Eric Taylor, the core utilizes state-of-the-art GC-MS and LC-MS mass spectrometry to provide full service metabolomic analysis, from the receipt of frozen samples through return of tabulated, numerical data representing metabolite abundances. We work closely with investigators to reach their scientific goals with quality metabolomic analysis.

Key Areas of Responsibilities

Research:

• Function as a specialist/technical expert in a specific discipline(s).

• Investigate and perform critical analysis of current literature to develop novel approaches to research either independently or in conjunction with other investigators.

Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:

• Develop and implement research plans.

• Conduct complex research in a specialized discipline.

• Develop, troubleshoot and formulate protocols and hypotheses in a specialized field/discipline.

Collect, Analyze and Summarize Data; Prepare Reports; Contribute to Manuscripts, Publications:

• Contribute at a high level to the lab/research project as evidenced by documented recognition in publications as an author or technical assistance.

• May write papers, manuscripts, grant applications, and publish in coordination with the Director.

• Develop new methodology and techniques related to the area of research.

• Develop the statistical analysis plan and oversee its implementation.

• Perform complex statistical analysis of data using advanced statistical methods and tools.

• Perform qualitative data analysis and summarize results.

• Present at local and national meetings.

Administrative and Project Management:

• Participate in many administrative functions in coordination with the Director and senior personnel, including but not limited to writing and amending protocols, leading efforts to acquire equipment, software, and supplies, and being responsible for the safety programs.

• Communicate directly with any external stakeholders (funders, partners, etc.) as to progress, reporting requirements, and timetables.

Facilities and Equipment Management:

• Determine needs of the lab and/or facilities.

• Gather and determine specifications for highly specialized equipment and procure lab equipment.

• Determine software needs for projects.

Technical Competencies:

Research:

• Coaches others on the full spectrum of approaches and tools for conducting research.

• Establishes alternative theories and models for determining research approaches.

• Monitors major industry innovations and studies for research.

• Explains the impact of technology on research approaches and practices.

• Contributes to developing methodologies and approaches to conducting research.

• Develops new tools and techniques for interpreting and validating research.

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Research Analysis:

• Mentors others in research analysis for a range of situations.

• Plays leadership role in producing research results within the organization.

• Maintains and enhances current research analysis regulations and procedures.

• Promotes an organization's research analysis performance and validity.

• Develops and shapes new research analysis methodologies and technologies.

• Predicts future trends and directions of research analysis.

   

Research Documentation:

• Consults on documenting research findings.

• Updates internal standards and procedures for writing and publishing research studies.

• Develops pro forma templates that could be used as a basis for creating research documents.

• Leads discussions on the differences in research documentation styles for differing fields of study.

• Authors research studies; uses them as examples for others to follow.

   

Research Ethics/Compliance:

• Ensures that all first-aid equipment is operational and supplies are current and fully stocked.

• Participates in internal and external safety or health inspections.

• Follows established safety guidelines in research procedures to prevent illness or injury to self or others.

• Seeks and identifies potential or actual safety hazards in storing, handling, transporting, and using various hazardous materials.

• Maintains health and safety records according to organizational and regulatory guidelines.

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: 5A -  https://hr.uiowa.edu/professional-pay/compensation-plan-structure-a-FY18

Benefits 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

For more information about Why Iowa?, click here

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least three years of related experience operating, maintaining, and developing methods for HPLC and Mass Spectrometer instruments in biological and health science applications. This should include Experience conducting broad untargeted and targeted metabolomics analysis

• Proficiency with MALDI-based mass spectrometry imaging of small molecules, lipids, and steroids in biological samples.

• Proficiency with metabolomic analysis software such as MassHunter, Profinder, Sirius, and basic competency with R and Python, and experience with additional languages such as Visual Basic, and C.

• Published research in the field of metabolomics

• At least three years of experience in molecular biology techniques such as mammalian cell transfection, PRC and qPCR, DNA and RNA purification, primer design, gel electrophoresis.

• Proficiency in laboratory management including ordering supplies, organizing inventory, and on-boarding new personnel.

Desired Qualifications:

• At least three years’ experience with protein purification and chromatography, including with ion exchange, size exclusion, affinity, and hydrophobic interaction methods.

• Experience with operating and developing methods for MALDI-2 post-ionization, trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS).

• 3 years’ experience with microscopy and spectroscopy techniques such as confocal microscopy, total internal reflectance microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and atomic absorption and emission spectroscopy. 

• Experience in leading the coordination of laboratory renovations/repairs with facilities management personnel.

• At least three years of experience in molecular biology techniques such as mammalian cell transfection, PRC and qPCR, DNA and RNA purification, primer design, gel electrophoresis.

• Knowledge pertaining to research animal care including injections, organ isolation, and cell purification.

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a CV and cover letter that clearly addresses how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days.

Successful candidates will be subject to a credential and criminal background check. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. Professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

To learn more about this position please reach out to Anne Beyerink, anne-phillips@uiowa.edu.