Assistant Research Scientist/Engineer
Join a collaborative research team investigating tissue injury, repair, and rejection in heart and lung transplantation.
Best for:Best for experienced researchers with a background in cardiovascular or pulmonary physiology and expertise in animal surgical models.
Overview
The Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Iowa is seeking an Assistant Research Scientist to lead independent research projects focused on heart and lung transplantation. This role involves splitting effort between two laboratories to study mechanisms of tissue injury, repair, and chronic rejection. The successful candidate will manage complex animal models, perform advanced surgical procedures, and conduct histological and molecular analyses. Applicants are expected to independently execute experiments, train research personnel, and contribute to scholarly manuscripts and grant applications.
What you'll do
- Support studies on airway basal stem cells and submucosal gland myoepithelial cells for airway epithelium reconstruction.
- Perform airway cell isolation, tracheal scaffold preparation, and ex vivo air-liquid interface culture.
- Utilize fluorescence imaging and quantitative image analysis to assess epithelial coverage and cell differentiation.
- Develop and apply focal epithelial injury methods to quantify recovery and cellular composition.
- Conduct surgical procedures, tissue procurement, and postoperative care for ferret airway and murine transplantation studies.
- Coordinate experimental schedules and specimen collection across two research laboratories.
- Perform molecular and pharmacological assays including proteomics, gene editing, qPCR, and immunoassays.
- Maintain research records and assist in the development of reproducible laboratory protocols.
Requirements
Degree required: M.D. or Ph.D. in medicine, physiology, cell or molecular biology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
Language: English; excellent oral and written proficiency.
Instruction: English
Publications: Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Minimum of three years of postdoctoral research experience in cardiovascular or pulmonary physiology.
- Proven experience performing thoracic or cardiovascular surgical procedures in experimental animals.
- Proficiency in animal research procedures, physiological data collection, and postoperative monitoring.
- Expertise in tissue histology, microscopy, image analysis, and molecular techniques (DNA/RNA/protein analysis).
- Demonstrated ability to independently plan, execute, and analyze research studies.
- Strong record of peer-reviewed publications.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration and training.
- Must hold an M.D. or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field.
- Must have at least three years of relevant postdoctoral research experience.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter addressing how they meet the required and desired qualifications. Five professional references will be requested at a later stage of the recruitment process.
- Resume
- Cover letter
Contact
Lisa Pfannebecker
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.