The University of Iowa Department of Neurology is seeking an hourly Research Assistant (RA) for the Aldridge Laboratory.

Join a growing neuroscience laboratory under the guidance of an active clinician-scientist (Georgina Aldridge, MD, PhD). The primary research goal of this laboratory is to understand mechanisms by which dementia with Lewy Body (a Parkinson’s disorder), affects the brain, leading to diverse and devastating symptoms.

Responsibilities involve managing laboratory operations including, but not limited to:

• Ordering supplies and reagents
• Maintaining lab protocols and stock solutions
• Performing basic bench work
• Acquiring and maintaining mouse colonies

The RA will be expected to independently troubleshoot basic technical problems while handling the above and will use and learn basic neuroscience technical skills to run experiments under the supervision of the PI. Types of experiments will be based on applicant’s skill set and interests. This potentially includes immunohistochemistry of proteinopathy (synuclein) spread through the brain in a mouse model of lewy body disease and in human brain tissue, 2-photon imaging of awake behaving mice using cranial windows, tracking the effect of alpha-synuclein on cortical cells by evaluating calcium dynamics, analysis of neuronal firing (using gCAMP indicators), as well as structural changes in dendritic spines and axons (using structural imaging).

Individuals with programming and computer science experience without lab experience (eg: machine learning, biostatistics, or other analysis techniques) are also encouraged to apply as there are opportunities for analysis of existing data). Motivated individuals or those with greater experience will be extended additional opportunities for independent or semi-independent project. All positions in the laboratory have opportunities to contribute and/or gain authorship on potential peer-reviewed publications, depending on the success of the projects.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Prior experience and competence with basic neuroscience techniques, including western blotting, perfusion, immunohistochemistry and animal behavior tasks. Lack of experience in one area may be acceptable depending on abilities in other areas.
• Prior experience with some form of microscopy (2-photon, confocal, etc), including unbiased stereology principles. Alternative expertise also accepted, including optogenetics, electrophysiology, super resolution microscopy, etc.
• Prior experience and competence with rodent models including proper surgical technique, handling, etc.
• Prior experience and competence with rodent models including proper surgical technique, handling, etc.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate (written and verbally) effectively with vendors and collaborators
• Evidence of a dedication to completing tasks and a willingness to work at agreed upon times

Desired Qualifications:

• At least one previous research experience/position in neuroscience
• Prior experience in basic or translational neuroscience research with rodent or cell culture models, with demonstrated interest in the field of neurodegeneration
• Basic knowledge and experience with MATLAB (or equivalent) coding and/or biological/behavioral data analysis
• A publication record demonstrating prior research experience

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.