Research Associate - Microbiology & Immunology; Dudek Lab

Research Associate - Microbiology & Immunology (Dudek Lab)

This Research Associate position in Dr. Dudek’s laboratory will conduct research focused on the pathogenesis and immune evasion of HIV-1. Specifically, this position will use gene editing of primary immune cells including T cells, Natural Killer cells, B cells, and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells followed by ex-vivo differentiation and infection to investigate genes altering replication and immune recognition of infection.

This position will require development of new techniques, write up of protocols, execution of experiments, data analysis, and manuscript writing. The candidate will also be required to mentor undergraduate students, summer students, and rotating graduate students. The position will require work in a BSL2+ laboratory.

Position Responsibilities

Perform critical analyses of literature relevant to research undertaken.

Interpret and adapt published protocols to specific experiments.

Develop new hypotheses.

Help mentor students and collaborators.

Perform experimental procedures; record and consolidate data.

Complete work within specified time guidelines; discuss progress and any problems as needed.

Maintain and passage multiple cell lines.

PBMC isolation from whole blood.

Maintain and differentiate primary immune cells.

Produce and purify AAV and HIV-1 from transfected cells.

Use digital droplet PCR to quantify viral stocks, infection rate, and editing efficiency.

Perform molecular biology experiments including cloning, construction of vectors for viral (AAV and HIV-1) production and make mutants using site‑directed mutagenesis.

Prepare chemical solutions and media according to established protocols.

Maintain primary cell and cell line stocks and inventory.

Conduct independent research to identify and characterize cellular genes altering HIV‑1 infectivity.

Prepare figures and write manuscripts for publication.

Edit grant proposals for principal investigator.

Edit paper submissions for students and other lab personnel.

Coordinate safety program with EHS and lab members. Document safety training.

Reconcile lab procurement card and monthly grant reports. Assure charges are valid and resolve errors.

Assist in maintaining accurate records of laboratory databases (equipment and supplies, reagents, microbial strains and stocks, and animals).

Maintain laboratory supplies and equipment, including the timely ordering, receiving, and proper storage of supplies and equipment.

Assist in maintaining general laboratory functionality.

Maintain a clean work area.

Train lab personnel on protocols.

Provide feedback to new and current employees.

Help mentor students and collaborators.

Oversee undergraduate and graduate students in successful completion of assigned tasks and research.

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
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Education Requirements

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology biology, Cell Biology, or Immunology, or a related field.

Experience Requirements

Prior experience working with pathogenic microorganisms is required.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent organizational skills.

Three or more years of lab experience working in a microbiology, cell biology, immunology, or biochemistry laboratory including:

• Experience with standard virology and viral vector techniques including virus production by transient transfection, ultracentrifugation, and MOI calculation.
• Experience working in a BSL2+ laboratory.
• Experience with primary immune cells.
• Experience with protein purification, SDS‑PAGE, and Western analysis.
• Molecular biology experience including PCR, primer design, gene cloning, plasmid and PCR purification, agarose gel electrophoresis, and restriction enzyme analyses.
• Using fluorescence microscopy to check infectivity and editing rates
• Use flow cytometry to characterize immune marker expression during and after infection, and quantify HIV‑1 latency
• Gathering, recording, and analyzing of…