Assistant Research Scientist - Molecular Physiology & Biophysics (Hultman Lab) (50%25)
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University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA, US
Summary
The Assistant Research Scientist will conduct experimental research using molecular, neurophysiological, and behavioral approaches to study brain networks in complex disorders. Responsibilities include data collection and interpretation, equipment development, manuscript preparation, and supervising research personnel.
Job Description
The department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics is seeking a 50%25 Assistant Research Scientist to conduct experimental research work using a combination of molecular, neurophysiological, and behavioral approaches to study electrical brain networks of complex brain disorders such as migraine, depression, and Alzheimer’s Disease. This person will be responsible for the generation and interpretation of experimental data, intrastructure development, and project management the Hultman laboratory in the Carver College of Medicine.
Key duties will be to perform and oversee behavioral and neurophysiological studies; either perform simple stereotactic surgeries or facilitate engagement with the surgery team; design and build electrodes and behavioral equipment; perform experiments; to collect and analyze data; to prepare manuscripts for contributing author for publication; to judge the validity of data obtained from experimental procedures; to prepare presentations (seminars and lectures) of the research results; to train, schedule, assign and evaluate work or support personnel and students in biochemical, physiological, and behavioral methods and data analysis; and to contribute to new or continuing research grant proposals to obtain funding for research activities.
Duties to Include:
- Experiments, Simulations, Modeling or Theoretical Investigations
- Perform experiments, simulations, or theoretical investigations.
- Collect data and evaluate relevance of data.
- Work independently on basic research tasks with oversight by Faculty or Principal Investigator (PI).
- Contribute to documentation of equipment and procedures.
- Data/Research Analysis and Evaluation
- Analyze data for relevance and data integrity.
- Perform basic data analysis techniques.
- Compare results of scientific investigations to previously published work.
- Dissemination of Research Results
- Prepare manuscripts for contributing author for publication.
- Present results in departmental seminars and at professional meetings.
- Research Proposals/Grants
o Contribute to new or continuing research grant proposals to obtain funding for research activities.
o May serve as co-PI on grants or proposals.
o Contribute to progress reports required by funding agencies
o Supervise adherence to safety and compliance guidelines when necessary.
- Service
o Provide service to the scientific community, University and General Public.
o Review submitted manuscripts and research proposals.
o Consult and collaborate with the research community.
o Participate in public outreach activities as required by funding sources.
o May participate in national and international meetings within the discipline.
· Human Resources/Supervision
o Mentor graduate students.
o May provide functional and/or administrative supervision for staff.
o Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling to assure outcomes are achieved.
Percent of Time: 50%25
Staff Type: Professional & Scientific
Type of Position: Specified Term. Appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and extension of funding.
Pay Grade: 5A https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/professional-and-scientific-pay-structure
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
Required Qualifications:
- Requires a Ph.D. in a related scientific field.
- At least one year of postdoctoral related research
- Demonstrated expertise with behavioral and neurophysiological techniques
- Conceptual and technical knowledge of neuroscience.
- Demonstrated ability to plan and execute a research study through some progressively responsible independent research work including a strong publication record.
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Excellent oral, written and interpersonal skills are required.
Desirable Qualifications:
- Three to five years postdoctoral research related to stress behavior and in vivo neurophysiology
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. Professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact Gabriella McDermott at [email protected].
Our WE CARE Values
Welcoming: We have an environment where everyone has a voice that is heard, promotes dignity, and allows all to thrive in health, work, research, and education.
Excellence: We achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible health care, education, and research.
Collaboration: We collaborate with health care systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region, as well as within our UI community. Teamwork, guided by compassion, is the best way to work.
Accountability: We behave ethically, act with fairness and integrity, take responsibility for our actions, and respond when errors in behavior or judgment occur.
Respect: We create an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected, supporting the well-being and success of all members of our community.
Empowerment: We commit to fair access to research, health care, and education for our community, along with opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff and learners.
Mission
Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.
As Iowa’s comprehensive academic health system, University of Iowa Health Care:
• Provides high-quality primary and specialty care to patients and families across Iowa and the region
• Educates and trains the next generation of physicians, biomedical scientists, and health care professionals
• Advances research that improves understanding of human health and leads to new treatments and therapies
• Partners with communities to expand access, improve health outcomes, and strengthen overall well-being
Vision
To be among the nation’s best in medical education, biomedical research, and patient care—improving the health and well-being of Iowans and communities we serve.
Recognitions/ Awards
Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals (2025) and included in additional Forbes employer rankings for workplace excellence and early-career opportunities.
Founded
1904
Company size
10,001+ employees
Industry
Hospitals and Health Care
Org type
Educational
Headquarters
Iowa City, Iowa
Our WE CARE Values
Welcoming: We have an environment where everyone has a voice that is heard, promotes dignity, and allows all to thrive in health, work, research, and education.
Excellence: We achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible health care, education, and research.
Collaboration: We collaborate with health care systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region, as well as within our UI community. Teamwork, guided by compassion, is the best way to work.
Accountability: We behave ethically, act with fairness and integrity, take responsibility for our actions, and respond when errors in behavior or judgment occur.
Respect: We create an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected, supporting the well-being and success of all members of our community.
Empowerment: We commit to fair access to research, health care, and education for our community, along with opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff and learners.
Mission
Changing Medicine. Changing Lives.
As Iowa’s comprehensive academic health system, University of Iowa Health Care:
• Provides high-quality primary and specialty care to patients and families across Iowa and the region
• Educates and trains the next generation of physicians, biomedical scientists, and health care professionals
• Advances research that improves understanding of human health and leads to new treatments and therapies
• Partners with communities to expand access, improve health outcomes, and strengthen overall well-being
Vision
To be among the nation’s best in medical education, biomedical research, and patient care—improving the health and well-being of Iowans and communities we serve.
Recognitions/ Awards
Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Healthcare Professionals (2025) and included in additional Forbes employer rankings for workplace excellence and early-career opportunities.
Founded
1904
Company size
10,001+ employees
Industry
Hospitals and Health Care
Org type
Educational
Headquarters
Iowa City, Iowa