Research Specialist - Obal Lab

The Department of Anesthesia is seeking a full-time Research Specialist (PRK3) to support cardiovascular research projects focused on patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived cardiovascular cells and organoids. The successful candidate will function as an independent research professional with expertise in stem cell biology, molecular biology, and cardiovascular research. The position will contribute to the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of complex experiments, manuscript preparation, grant development, and research program advancement.

The individual will independently design and conduct experiments, maintain accurate and detailed research records, analyze and present findings, and contribute to scientific publications and funding proposals. The successful candidate will collaborate with faculty, trainees, and research staff while helping to advance innovative approaches in cardiovascular and translational research. Experience with advanced computational tools and data analysis methods is highly desirable.

Position Responsibilities:

Experiments

• Function as a specialist/technical expert in cell biology/ iPSC technology. Investigate and perform critical analysis of current literature to develop novel approaches to understand of pharmacological and toxicological disturbance of early cardiovascular development
• Conduct research either independently or in conjunction with other investigators.
• Induced pluripotent stem cell reprogramming and culture.
• Cardiomyocyte, endothelial, and smooth muscle cell differentiation using human iPSCs.
• Perform cardiomyocyte, endothelial cell, smooth muscle phenotype and molecular evaluation protocols.
• Extensive experience with cloning, gene-editing in iPSC.
• Subcutaneous injection of drugs in pregnant mice.

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

• Plan and independently perform experiments in support of ongoing research projects based on extensive knowledge of scientific theory. Interpret and perform analyses of results and their possible implications.
• Discuss issues and considerations for using different types of research approaches.
• Analyze and interpret literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and related research, interpret new findings and analyze their validity.
• Demonstrate in depth knowledge of and offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols. Advice on advanced research analysis methods.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments and outcomes at all times.
• Design, write, and publish findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals. Edit and revise as needed.

Facilities and Equipment Management

• Determine needs of the lab. Gather and determine specifications for highly specialized equipment and procure lab equipment. Determine software needs for projects.
• Maintain inventory and cell culture medium stock to ensure a flawless continuous operation of the lab
• Coordinate and evaluate general lab maintenance as needed; maintain lab stock, manage chemical inventory and safety records, and coordinate lab support when required.

Supervision/Staffing

• Develop training procedures for basic and high-level lab techniques and protocols.
• Become go-to person for grad-students and junior trainings for day-to-day questions.
• Develop evaluation tools for measuring the outcome of training, staff development, and staff performance. Help with hiring new staff and expand the laboratory according to NIH funding and projects.

Other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements

• Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related scientific field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Experience Requirements

• A minimum of three years of related research experience.
• Demonstrated experience with induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) culture, maintenance, and differentiation.
• Demonstrated experience applying scientific principles to independently design, conduct, analyze, and interpret research studies.
• Demonstrated experience maintaining detailed research records and documentation.
• Demonstrated proficiency with scientific data analysis software and programming tools, including Microsoft Office, R, Python, and/or MATLAB.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet project deadlines.
• Excellent organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• PhD or Master's degree in Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Pharmacology, or a related discipline.
• Five or more years of experience in iPSC biology, gene editing, and cardiovascular research.
• Experience with NIH-funded research projects, grant preparation, and manuscript development.
• First-author peer-reviewed publications in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Experience developing and maintaining IRB and/or IACUC protocols.
• Technical writing experience, including SOPs, protocols, reports, manuscripts, and grant submissions.
• Proficiency with human cell culture techniques, including iPSC reprogramming, maintenance, and differentiation.
• Experience with molecular biology techniques including PCR, gel electrophoresis, recombinant DNA methods, cloning, and gene editing.
• Experience with laboratory animal research and drug administration procedures.
• Experience supervising, training, or mentoring students, trainees, or research staff.
• Experience with advanced data analysis, machine learning applications, and scientific programming using R, Python, and/or MATLAB.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 for calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

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

For additional questions, please contact Joseph Mulangaliro at joseph-mulangaliro@uiowa.edu.

Additional Information

• Classification Title: Research Specialist
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time

Compensation

• Pay Level: 5A

Contact Information

• Organization: Healthcare
• Contact Name: Joseph Mulangaliro
• Contact Email: joseph-mulangaliro@uiowa.edu