Cancer Research Assistant Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The University of Iowa Health Care Department of Radiology is seeking a highly motivated Research Associate to support National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded preclinical and translational research focused on leveraging redox biology to improve treatment outcomes for lung cancers and neuroendocrine tumors. This position will collaborate closely with multidisciplinary research teams investigating high linear energy transfer (LET) radioligands, pharmacological ascorbate, and other redox-based therapeutic strategies.

The Research Associate will contribute to the design, execution, analysis, and dissemination of innovative research while providing advanced scientific expertise in free radical biology, radiation biology, and cancer therapeutics. Responsibilities include leading laboratory operations, mentoring and supervising research personnel, supporting grant proposal development, preparing scientific manuscripts and presentations, and coordinating collaborative research activities. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge cancer research that advances scientific discovery and improves patient outcomes.

• Conducts independent and collaborative research in redox biology, radiation biology, and cancer therapeutics
• Designs, develops, and implements experimental protocols to investigate mechanisms of oxidative stress and therapeutic response in cancer
• Critically evaluates scientific literature and integrate emerging discoveries into ongoing research programs
• Contributes to the development of research hypotheses, grant proposals, publications, and presentations

• Performs basic and complex procedures and techniques as outlined in research protocol, assure fidelity to protocols, may propose modifications to protocols and/or assist in the design of research protocols. 
• Designs portions of research plan. Monitors, tests and evaluates current procedures
• Identifies and adheres to Quality Assurance practices to maintain validity and integrity of research data
• Leads the recruitment of participants for a human subjects' research study and develop a good rapport with research participants
• Performs subject assessments such as evaluation of psychiatric symptoms and review of medical history; Assures study compliance and prepare documentation for annual review as well as modifications to the IRB
• Oversees data entry into RedCap and monitor data quality on a regular basis.

• Coordinates research activities among multidisciplinary investigators and collaborators.
• Organizes, maintains, and analyzes research data and study documentation
• Assists with preparation and submission of manuscripts, abstracts, grant applications, and progress reports
• Participates in weekly research meetings to review data, plan experiments, and establish project priorities

• Maintains laboratory equipment and coordinate troubleshooting and repairs when necessary
• Ensures proper inventory, storage, and utilization of research supplies and reagents
• Assists in maintaining laboratory compliance with institutional, regulatory, and safety requirements.

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

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: Mon - Fri 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Iowa City, IA

Pay Grade: 4A https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/guide-pay-plans

Specified Term Appointment through July 31st, 2031

• 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

• A Bachelor's degree in Radiation Biology, Cancer Biology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Free Radical Biology, or related educational field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience 

• Minimum (1-3 years) experience conducting clinical research
• Experience with molecular biology, biochemical, and cellular analysis techniques
• Excellent written, verbal communication, interpersonal and organizational skills
• Ability to manage complex data
• Ability to fluctuate occasionally working nights and weekends to enroll patients and/or monitor study patients as may be required by the enrollment protocol of the study

• Experience with grant writing and manuscript preparation
• Experience supervising research staff, students, or trainees
• Experience working in collaborative, multidisciplinary research environments

To be considered, applicants must upload a resume and a cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. For questions, please reach out to Lori Steffens at lori-steffens@uiowa.edu.

• Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days or until position is filled

• Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check