Core Facility Research Specialist - Iowa Neuroscience Institute

Core Facility Research Specialist - Iowa Neuroscience Institute

The Core Facility Research Specialist will support bioinformatics efforts within the institute. The Core Facility Research Specialist will play a key role in this aim by participating in the analysis of large datasets arising from cutting‑edge research on the neural circuit and molecular mechanisms underlying brain function in health and disease. The Core Facility Research Specialist will use existing software frameworks to analyze imaging datasets from spatial‑omics, light sheet microscopy, and neuroimaging, and develop new analysis tools as needed.

The Core Facility Research Specialist will also work with users to advise them on best practices and help them analyze their own data. This position works closely with the Core Director to achieve the operational goals of the core.

Key Areas of Responsibility Specialized Services / Application of Research Protocols

Work closely with researchers/investigators in conducting and/or developing highly technical and specialized scientific research procedures, experiments, simulations using the core facility's specialized equipment or services. Acquire data by operating the facility's instrumentation, equipment, or perform specialized service for researchers and perform complex procedures and techniques. Perform research tasks or data analysis consistent with the facility's protocols. Operate facility instrumentation or equipment and interpret and document results.

Assure fidelity to research protocols. May propose modifications to protocols and/or assist in the design of experiment protocols based on specialized knowledge and expertise. Perform daily activities to prepare for experimental protocols and facility operation.

Literature Review / Data Analysis

Critically review literature as directed for the purposes of furthering the research. Assist in generating, collecting, and analyzing data. Develop new data analysis techniques or methodology. Interpret experimental data. Perform data analysis for researchers using specialized data analysis software in a form useful for further statistical analysis or publication.

Educate, Train and Consult

Provide education, training and consultation to core facility users on highly specialized equipment, scientific research or technology. Provide advice and guidance in either a self‑service or full‑service core facility. May review methods sections of research papers related to core facility's specialty that will be submitted for publication.

Facilities, Equipment and Information Management

Assist with and/or coordinate and manage equipment and facilities with users. Service, calibrate, and check equipment for proper function. Test new equipment to determine if it meets specifications. Assist with performing periodic preventative maintenance on facility instrumentation. Troubleshoot equipment failures and arrange for or help with repairs. Provide input on new instrument purchases. Remain current on emerging techniques, software programs, and instrumentation in field of expertise.

Provide technical support in specialized area of research. May assist with maintenance of the facility computer systems and specialized instrument control and analysis software, facility data server, and/or researcher's data server accounts, data backup and archiving, and online reservation system and/or researcher's reservation accounts.

Administrative and Financial Responsibility for Fee‑for‑Service Operation

Assist with the administrative duties necessary for a fee‑for‑service facility operation. Review facility billing data for accuracy and submit to manager/director for approval. Initiate purchases of equipment, supplies, inventory, etc. for faculty. Analyze facility use data for reports. Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.

Human Resources / Supervision

May participate in hiring staff and managing staff performance to assure staff is compliant with UI policies and procedures.

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