RESEARCH INTERN

This position is designed for individuals who:

• Seek training, experience, and mentoring in a research setting

• Plan to pursue a graduate or professional degree in science, medicine, or a     

  related field

• Have US citizenship or permanent residency

See Post-Baccalaureate Research Internship website: http://research.uiowa.edu/students/post-baccalaureate-research-internship

Position Description

The laboratory of Dr. Hillel Haim in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine has an opening for a post-baccalaureate research intern position. The intern will contribute to several funded projects that aim to characterize the paths of HIV-1 escape from therapeutics. This work constitutes part of the Haim lab efforts toward design of molecular and computational tools to personalize antiviral treatments to people living with HIV. Training will be provided in cutting-edge molecular biology, cell biology, viral genetics and bioinformatics.

Position Responsibilities:

Research:  Contribute projects in support of existing grants; generate data for new grant proposals and publications.

• Execute experiments under the direction of more senior research staff or the principal investigator.


• Record data, maintain a detailed laboratory notebook, enter records into lab databases.


• Observe techniques in other laboratories for implementation in our laboratory.


• Assist in the analysis and interpretation of experiments.

Experiments:  Preform molecular biology experiments involving production and testing of virus particles. Experiments will include cell culture, virus propagation and neutralization assays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), DNA sequencing, construction of protein mutants, and purifications of proteins. The intern will:

• Perform experiments, collect, document, and interpret data.


• Read, understand, and implement experimental protocols.


• Adhere to safety and compliance guidelines.


• Adhere to quality assurance protocols to maintain validity and integrity of research data.


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


• As individual skills develop; troubleshoot, analyze, and propose modifications to protocols; preform complex techniques per protocol.

Collect, Manage and Communicate Data and Findings:  Record and interpret data in support of projects goals.

• Collect and track data in an organized and logical manner.


• Maintain an up-to-date laboratory notebook.


• Assist in the preparation of manuscripts and grants by organizing data and preparing images, figures, and tables as directed.


• As skills develop; analyze data and present results/findings at team and departmental meetings.

Administrative and Project Management:  Contribute to the smooth and safe operations of the lab.

• Assist in compliance with safety and regulatory guidelines.


• Assist in maintain accurate records and laboratory databases.

Facilities and Equipment Management:  Assist with general laboratory functionality. 

• Assist in maintaining equipment clean and in working order.


• Maintain stocks of supplies and reagents.


• Order and properly store supplies and equipment as needed.


• Dispose of waste in compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Supervision and Staffing:  As skills develop; may train, provide directions, assignments, feedback, coaching and counseling of students and newer employees.  Assist in organizing the laboratory to accommodate new personnel and techniques. 

• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences, or related field.

• Basic knowledge in cell biology techniques, such as cell culture, storage, and safe handling of eukaryotic cells.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.


• Attention to detail and accuracy.


• Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.


• Ability to work in as part of a team.

Working proficiency with the following:

• Standard molecular techniques, including PCR, plasmid purification, bacterial transformation and agarose gel electrophoresis.


• Data analysis and presentation software, such as Microsoft Excel, Prism and Microsoft PowerPoint.

To start the Online Application process for this position, click the "Apply for This Position" button located below the Contact Information.