Microscopy Core Facility Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Core Facility Research Specialist will support bioinformatics efforts within the institute. The Core Facility Research Specialist will play a key role in this aim by participating in the analysis of large datasets arising from cutting-edge research on the neural circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying brain function in health and disease. The Core Facility Research Specialist will use existing software frameworks to analyze imaging datasets from spatial -omics, light sheet microscopy, and neuroimaging, and develop new analysis tools as needed. The Core Facility Research Specialist will also work with users to advise them on best practices and help them analyze their own data. This position works closely with the Core Director to achieve the operational goals of the core.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Specialized Services/ Application of Research Protocols:  Work closely with researchers/investigators in conducting and/or developing highly technical and specialized scientific research procedures, experiments, simulations using the core facility's specialized equipment or services. Acquire data by operating the facility's instrumentation, equipment, or perform specialized service for researchers and perform complex procedures and techniques. Perform research tasks or data analysis consistent with the facility's protocols. Operate facility instrumentation or equipment and interpret and document results. Assure fidelity to research protocols. May propose modifications to protocols and/or assist in the design of experiment protocols based on specialized knowledge and expertise. Perform daily activities to prepare for experimental protocols and facility operation.

Literature Review/ Data Analysis:  Critically review literature as directed for the purposes of furthering the research. Assist in generating, collecting, and analyzing data. Develop new data analysis techniques or methodology. Interpret experimental data. Perform data analysis for researchers using specialized data analysis software in a form useful for further statistical analysis or publication.

Educate, Train and Consult:  Provide education, training and consultation to core facility users on highly specialized equipment, scientific research or technology. Provide advice and guidance in either a self-service or full service core facility. May, review methods sections of research papers related to core facility's specialty that will be submitted for publication.

Facilities, Equipment and Information Management:  Assist with and/or coordinate and manage equipment and facilities with users. Service, calibrate, and check equipment for proper function. Test new equipment to determine if it meets specifications. Assist with performing periodic preventative maintenance on facility instrumentation. Troubleshoot equipment failures and arrange for or help with repairs. Provide input on new instrument purchases. Remain current on emerging techniques, software programs, and instrumentation in field of expertise. Provide technical support in specialized area of research. May assist with maintenance of the facility computer systems and specialized instrument control and analysis software, facility data server, and/or researcher's data server accounts, data backup and archiving, and online reservation system and/or researcher's reservation accounts.

Administrative and Financial Responsibility for Fee for Service Operation:  Assist with the administrative duties necessary for a fee-for-service facility operation. Review facility billing data for accuracy and submit to manager/director for approval. Initiate purchases of equipment, supplies, inventory, etc. for faculty. Analyze facility use data for reports. Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.

Human Resources/ Supervision:  May participate in hiring staff and managing staff performance to assure staff is compliant with UI policies and procedures.

Our mission is to inspire and educate world class health care providers and scientists for the people of Iowa and our global community.  Researchers in the College's over 280 laboratories are served by state-of-the-art core research facilities and research support facilities. Much of the research conducted is interdisciplinary and collaborations are fostered and coordinated through major research centers, institutes, and programs. Many faculty members are internationally renowned for their research. Two faculty members are Howard Hughes Institute Investigators, 12 are members of the Institute of Medicine and two are members of the National Academy of Sciences.

Position Responsibilities

• Provides advanced training and education of Core users on the appropriate analysis of collected data, including "best practices" for statistical data analysis

• Performs analysis of neuroinformatics data for user projects

• Assists users with preparation of research papers by reviewing methods and results sections. May contribute to research papers as co-author

• Develops and maintains a knowledge of the field through familiarity with the scientific literature and attendance of internal and external meetings and conferences

• Adapts, creates, and tests "best practice" analysis protocols based on careful review of the literature, consultation with other Core facilities, and the communicated needs of UI Core users

• Performs analysis to advance the research interests of the Core and to produce reference databases

• Performs appropriate statistical analysis of data using "best practice" methodology and guidelines. Records, organizes, and presents laboratory data at lab meetings.  Assists in preparing data for publications, grant proposals, and presentation at local/national meetings.

• Organizes and maintains datasets and computing infrastructure for user projects

• Supervises and trains research assistants, research interns, or undergraduate students as needed/appropriate. Participates in hiring staff and managing staff performance

• Coordinates and manages Core facility computing hardware and software (troubleshooting, testing, maintenance/calibration, acquisition, and removal). Interacts with outside vendors for purchases, budgets, and maintenance information on Core equipment 

• Manages and organizes regulatory documentation

• Monitors compliance of regulatory guidelines and proper maintenance of documents

Percent of Time: 100%

Staff Type: Professional & Scientific

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

Education Requirements

• Requires the knowledge that is generally associated with a Master's degree in a quantitative field, supplemented by 5 or more years of progressively responsible experience in advanced data analysis for biological sciences or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience Requirements

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research techniques and procedures relating to the performance of computational and analytical methods within neuroscience, genetics, or other biological research.

• Expert proficiency with data analysis/statistics/programming in Python, R, and/or Matlab

• Experience with deployment of standard computer vision algorithms and neural network-based algorithms for image processing (e.g. segmentation, image transforms, alignment)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Self-motivated and driven to learn new skills and analytical methods

• Ability to work independently and take initiative

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with Linux command line tools

• Knowledge of software development best practices, including version control, automated testing, etc.

• Experience with advanced imaging techniques, such as confocal microscopy, multiphoton microscopy, light sheet microscopy, fiber photometry, or other functional imaging

• Knowledge of neuroanatomy/neurohistology

• Record of publishing original research in peer-reviewed journals

Application Process: In order to be considered, applicants must upload a CV or resume, and cover letter (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.

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 questions on this position please reach out to Anne Beyerink, anne-phillips@uiowa.edu.