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University of Iowa · 12 hours ago

Core Facility Research Specialist - Iowa Neuroscience Institute

Iowa City, IA

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level

5+ years exp

The University of Iowa is dedicated to inspiring and educating world-class health care providers and scientists. The Core Facility Research Specialist will support bioinformatics efforts by analyzing large datasets related to neural circuits and molecular mechanisms, while also providing education and training to core facility users.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

No H1B

Responsibilities

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

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

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

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

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

May participate in hiring staff and managing staff performance to assure staff is compliant with UI policies and procedures

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

Qualification

Data analysisPythonRMatlabNeuroinformaticsStatistical analysisImage processingLinux command lineNeuroanatomyResearch publicationCommunicationSelf-motivatedIndependent work

Required

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

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

Preferred

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

Benefits

Fringe benefit package including paid vacation

Sick leave

Health, dental, life and disability insurance options

Generous employer contributions into retirement plans

Company

University of Iowa

Glassdoor4.2

On our beautiful campus spanning the Iowa River, our faculty and staff enjoy access to an array of cultural, educational, and recreational activities.

Founded in 1986

Iowa City, Iowa, USA

10001+ employees