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Academic Research Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Academic Research Associate information

What is an academic research associate?

Academic Research Associates are professionals who support research projects within universities or other educational institutions. Their responsibilities typically include collecting and analyzing data, conducting literature reviews, and assisting with the preparation of papers, presentations, and grant applications. They often work under the supervision of principal investigators or faculty members. This role is critical in advancing knowledge within a specific field and often serves as a stepping stone for those pursuing academic or research-focused careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an academic research associate?

To thrive as an Academic Research Associate, you need strong analytical skills, research methodology expertise, and a relevant degree (often a master's or PhD in a related field). Familiarity with statistical analysis software (such as SPSS or R), academic databases, and citation management tools is typically required. Excellent written communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills help distinguish top candidates. These abilities are crucial for producing high-quality research, interpreting data accurately, and contributing effectively to academic projects.

What are some common challenges academic research associates face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Academic Research Associates often juggle several research projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Balancing data collection, literature reviews, and collaboration with faculty or external partners requires strong organizational skills and adaptability. It’s common to encounter competing deadlines, so effective communication with supervisors and team members is key to ensuring projects stay on track. Utilizing project management tools and regular check-ins can help manage workload and maintain high-quality research outcomes.

What is the difference between Academic Research Associate vs Research Scientist?

AspectAcademic Research AssociateResearch Scientist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fieldMaster's or PhD in related discipline
Work EnvironmentUniversities, academic labs, research institutionsResearch labs, industry R&D departments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily academia and educational institutionsIndustry, government agencies, private sector
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between an Academic Research Associate and a Research Scientist lies in their work environment and typical employer. Academic Research Associates usually work within universities or academic institutions focusing on educational research, while Research Scientists are often employed in industry or government labs working on applied research and product development. Both roles require strong research skills and relevant degrees, but their career paths and daily tasks differ based on their organizational setting.

Is an academic research associate a good career?

An academic research associate is a research-focused role that involves supporting faculty or principal investigators in conducting studies, analyzing data, and preparing reports. It can be a good career for those interested in academia, research methods, and scientific inquiry, often requiring strong analytical skills and familiarity with research tools. Career advancement may include transitioning to senior research roles or pursuing further education such as a Ph.D.

What are the most commonly searched types of Academic Research jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Academic Research jobs in Iowa are:

Academic Research Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Academic Research Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

Research Associate - Tucker Lab

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

467th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Visual Sciences is seeking a 100% Research Associate (PRK2, 4A). This position will serve as a member of a multidisciplinary laboratory focused on developing cellular and gene replacement therapies to treat patients with inherited retinal disease. To oversee the day-to-day maintenance activities of the Tucker Laboratory and manufacture AAV and lentiviruses for lab use.

Position Responsibilities

  • Manufacture AAV and lentiviruses for use in the lab. This includes following SOPs for cloning, plasmid preparation, and transfection and purification of viral products, performing release testing, and maintaining a log/inventory of vectors produced.

  • Maintain and differentiate human iPS cell lines for studying disease progression. This will include performing cell culture under aseptic technique, and following standardized protocols for iPSC maintenance, and retinal cell and RPE differentiation

  • Responsible for laboratory inventory. Includes electronic inventory management system (eLab), consumables ordering requests, and equipment repair and maintenance requests.

  • Perform day-to-day lab tasks. This includes thawing, cleaning, and organizing cold storage units, scheduling repair/maintenance visits, cleaning and autoclaving lab dishes, aliquoting and inventorying antibodies, stocking supplies, store runs, etc.

  • Pay close attention to detail.

University of Iowa Health Care-recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.

Percent of Time: 100%

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00a-5:00p

Location: UIHC, Iowa City

On Campus: This position is performed fully on campus.

Rotations: N/A

Pay Level: 4A

Position Type: Specified Term. Initial appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.

Required Qualifications

  • Requires the practical or academic knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures and an ability to translate, adapt and apply this knowledge that is generally associated with a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience working in an academic research environment.

  • Requires ability perform aseptic cell culture technique to maintain human iPSC and iPSC-derived retinal cell and RPE cultures.

  • Ability to carry out standard molecular biology and biochemical techniques (e.g., nucleic acid and protein isolation from human and animal tissue samples, PCR/qPCR, and Western blot), common cell biology techniques (e.g., immunocytochemistry/immunohistochemistry), and tissue culture techniques (i.e., establishing and maintaining human iPSCs).

  • Demonstrated ability at managing laboratory equipment and inventory.

  • Must maintain detailed laboratory notes and be highly organized.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.

 

Desired Qualifications

  • Experience with maintaining human iPSCs and differentiating retinal cells with xeno-free protocols.

  • Ability to generate viral transgene expression plasmids, read Sanger sequencing and use DNA analysis software.

  • Prior experience producing and purifying AAVs and/or lentiviruses preferred.


Position and Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 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. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

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

For additional questions, please contact Maria Lugo, HR Generalist, at maria-lugo@uiowa.edu

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Research Associate
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 4A
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Maria Lugo
  • Contact Email: maria-lugo@uiowa.edu

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