Research Associate - Department of Biology

The Department of Biology is seeking a Research Associate .

The Martin Lab in the Department of Biology at the University of Iowa is seeking a full time Associate Research Scientist to conduct research in neurobiology, with a focus on understanding the molecules and mechanisms that coordinate electrical and chemical synapse formation. Neurodevelopmental disorders likely arise through differences in synapse formation and function, yet while chemical synapses are well-studied, electrical synapses are far less understood. Further, while the structures that make up these different synapse types are distinct, we find that, surprisingly, molecules exist to bridge their formation and seek to understand how a neuron molecularly specifies the correct type of synapse to build and support. Our work defines a new frontier by investigating synapse coordination: the mechanisms that direct the assembly of electrical and chemical synapses, how these processes overlap and compete, the importance of this coordination to long-term nervous system function/behavior, and how disruptions to coordination can reveal a new understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day operations in the laboratory, stocking of essential items, and maintaining equipment.
• Help maintain essential zebrafish lines and conduct zebrafish husbandry tasks.
• Contribute to the technical writing of papers, manuscripts, grant applications, and published materials as evidenced by documented recognition.
• Supervise and train new lab members in experimental techniques.
• Contribute to mentoring trainees in the lab.

For a full job description or questions about this position, please send an email to ....

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree in neuroscience, cell biology, molecular biology, or other related fields; or a combination of equivalent experience.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of relevant research experience.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively within the lab, with collaborators, and with broader research community is strongly preferred.
• Ability to work with zebrafish and rat models.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.
• Valid drivers license and the ability to meet and maintain University Driving Policy standards.

Desired Qualifications

• Working with experimental zebrafish and rat models, including:
  • Zebrafish husbandry and rat handling.
  • Maintaining essential zebrafish lines.
  • Tissue culture aseptic technique skills.
  • Primary neuron culture from rat models.
• Experimental skills with any of the following:
  • Zebrafish dissection.
  • Cell culture, including primary neuron culture.
  • Molecular techniques (e.g., Western blotting, PCR Analysis, Cloning, RNA synthesis, etc.).
  • Immunocytochemistry.
  • Confocal imaging.

Position and Application Details

For additional job details and to apply please visit and access requisition #25003970.

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

• CV with Publication List
• Cover Letter summarizing your motivation and research interests (up to 2 pages)
• One example of a recent publication if available

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 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. Please note that this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship in the United States.

For additional questions, please contact: ....

• Classification Title: Research Associate
• Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
• Schedule: Full-time
• Work Modality Options: On Campus

• Pay Level: 4A

• Organization: College of Liberal Arts
• Contact Name: Vance Morris
• Contact Email: ...