POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER (Wallrath and Drack Laboratories)

Join a team of scientists investigating the molecular pathogenesis and developing gene therapies for vision disorders. The Wallrath and Drack Laboratories in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences in the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, respectively, are seeking to hire postdoctoral researchers to determine molecular mechanisms and develop therapies for genetic eye disorders. The candidates will be responsible for the designing experiments, generating data, data analysis, presenting research findings at scientific meetings, writing manuscripts, and assisting in the daily operations of the laboratory. The postdoctoral researchers will also be highly encouraged to seek extramural and/or intramural funding to support their innovative research endeavors.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintain mammalian cell cultures in a sterile BSL-2 environment, adhering to safety protocols
• Generate reporter gene constructs and use in RNAi knock-down experiments
• Design guide RNAs and use CRISPR for gene editing Design AAV vectors for gene therapy on mouse models
• Capture fluorescent images and quantify data
• Purify proteins and perform western analyses
• Maintain a mouse colony and establish genetic crosses
• Maintain detailed experimental records
• Use standard laboratory software that includes Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, GraphPad Prism, SnapGene or other DNA sequence analysis programs, etc.
• Supervise and train junior lab members in laboratory procedures
• Stay updated on relevant research through literature searches and field developments
• Prepare research materials for publications and presentations (internal and external) and present findings at scientific meetings
• Collaborate with a team of researchers at the University of Iowa, across the United States, and internationally

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Ph.D. in biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, or related discipline.Prior postdoctoral experience is not necessary.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Experience in maintaining and working with mammalian culture
• Demonstrated proficiency in microscopy techniques and data analysis
• Background and experience in molecular biology
• Experience in mouse or other small rodent handling

COLLABORATION

Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and civil manner while appreciating the unique contributions of individuals from varied cultures, race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

POSTIVE IMPACT/ACHIEVING RESULTS

Ability to utilize existing resources and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes of current and future lab goals/needs. Able to demonstrate ethical behavior in diverse situations while producing results.

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

Ability to meet or exceed the needs and expectations of collaborative projects and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external collaborators.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Functional supervision is received from the Principal Investigator.