The Iowa NeuroBank Core at the Iowa Neuroscience Institute is seeking a post-baccalaureate research intern. This person will work in a research core facility that conducts a combination of molecular, cellular, histological, and bioinformatics approaches to study human brain tissue and patient-derived cell lines. The intern will assist collection and management of human brain specimens and specimen-derived products for the broader neuroscience communities. The intern will also assist cutting-edge research of spatial transcriptomics focused on human neurological diseases, including documentation, preparation of materials, daily operation of the lab, and conducting research projects. This position is designed for individuals who possess a desire to utilize existing resources and learning to accomplish significant goals. The individual should be curious, responsible, and enthusiastic for research. 

Duties Include:

Research:

- Perform research activities based upon protocols developed by other research staff or principal investigator of the research project

- Read and review articles as directed

- Maintains laboratory equipment and supplies

- Abstracts data from medical records and maintains a research database

- Prepare bibliographies and abstracts for publications

Experiments, Investigations, Evaluations:

- Read and understand protocols

- Arrange and plan daily activities to prepare for research protocols.

- Set up and operate research materials or equipment.

- Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.

- Collect, record and consolidate laboratory and experimental data

- Track progress of research activities

- Maintain cell lines secures, processes and stores human and animal specimens for research use

- Perform laboratory maintenance and preparation of stock solutions

- Perform analysis using microscopic techniques (bright field, confocal microscopy)

- Perform immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry staining in cells and tissues

- Preparation of DNA and RNA for mRNA expression from cell culture and tissue.

- Perform standard molecular biology techniques including qRT-PCR, western blot analysis, ELISA, genotyping

- As skills develop, utilize computer software applications to organize and present research data

- Maintain sample inventories in a database and organize electronic records of data and experiment write ups.

- Maintains a clean work area

- Proper handling and storage of all solid, liquid and gaseous chemicals and solvents

- May present results at lab meetings; develop and monitor quality controls.

Administrative and Project Management:

- Assist with IRB or similar protocol submissions, if applicable.

- Track various indicators of project progress and summarize in reports to the research team.

- Assist in documenting compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.

- Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines

- May perform other administrative support tasks in support of the research (e.g., organize and facilitate meetings/ events, respond to inquiries, recruit research participants, monitor research protocols, data collection, analysis and management; maintain website content, etc.) 

Facilities and Equipment Management:

- Assist in the preparation, calibration, and maintenance of laboratory and facility equipment.

- Assist with procurement of supplies and materials.

- May initiate purchasing requests, monitor accounts/expenditures; reconcile statements.

Supervision/Staffing:

As skills develop, may train, provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of employees to assure outcomes are achieved.

The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required of individuals performing this job.

To apply, please send a CV, contact information for three professional references, and a letter of interest to: Queena Lin (li-chun-lin@uiowa.edu)

Iowa Neuroscience Institute

2322 Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building

169 Newton Road

Iowa City, IA 52242-1903

Department URL: https://medicine.uiowa.edu/iowaneuroscience/research/neurobank-core

BS in Biology, Neuroscience, or an equivalent combination of education. GPA of 3.2+.

• Previous working experience in a biomedical laboratory with hands-on research.


• Excellent written and verbal and interpersonal communication skills.


• Experience with computer software applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.


• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills


• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple complex projects or programs with diverse functions.

• Prior experience with sterile cell culture. 

• 6 months or more experience dealing with animal or human tissue including tissue isolation, tissue sectioning, and routine experimental procedures.

• 6 months or more experience with Western Blotting, qRT-PCR, protein isolation, mRNA or DNA isolation.

• 6 months or more experience with immunohistology, immunofluorescence staining, bright, and Confocal microscopy imaging experience.