Feb 21, 2026

Research Assistant - Anesthesia, Smith Lab

Job Description

The Research Assistant will work in a research lab focused on the acute inflammation and endothelial response to acute surgical stress. Clinical outcomes of interest include postoperative acute kidney injury and delirium. Study techniques include clinical studies of surgical patients, in vivo mechanistic studies (mice), and in vitro human primary cell experiments. The successful candidate should have experience in an academic medical-science focused laboratory with a wet-lab component, along with excellent record keeping ability and organization skills. Prior experience with wet-lab methods including but not limited to next-generation sequencing and data analysis, spatial transcriptomic sequencing and analysis, single-cell studies, cell culture, DNA/RNA work, and animal husbandry (mice) is highly desired, but not a requirement.

What You Will Do

  • Read and understand existing experiments in support of ongoing research projects based on knowledge of scientific theory. Interpret and perform analyses of results
  • Review literature on an ongoing basis to remain current with new procedures and related research
  • Offer suggestions regarding modifications to procedures and protocols
  • Contribute to publication of findings as needed. Participate in the preparation of written documents, including procedures, presentations, and proposals
  • Assist with general lab maintenance as needed; assist with maintaining lab stock, assist with management of chemical inventory and safety records, and provide general lab support as needed


For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

About The Department Of Anesthesia

The Department of Anesthesia provides exceptional patient experiences and a positive work environment through excellence, compassionate care, continuous improvement, innovative research, and collaborative learning.

Required Qualifications

What you will need:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in related scientific field
  • General understanding of scientific principles.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply theoretical knowledge of science principals to problem solve work
  • General computer skills and ability to quickly learn computer programs, databases, and scientific applications
  • Excellent organizational skills and demonstrated ability to accurately complete detailed work


Desired Qualifications

  • A Bachelor of Science related to molecular medicine or related discipline or equivalent experience
  • Two years’ experience
  • Experience in wet-lab methods
  • A reference from the principal investigator on the applicant’s work during their most recent laboratory experience
  • Experimental design, execution of plan and presentation of data to team
  • Utilization of good documentation practices


Position And Application Details

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

Resume

Cover Letter

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. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

For additional questions, please contact Mark Peck at mark-peck@uiowa.edu.

Additional Information

  • Classification Title: Research Assistant
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: On Campus


Compensation

  • Pay Level: 3A


Contact Information

  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Mark Peck
  • Contact Email: mark-peck@uiowa.edu

ID

a7ff2c0f952e512d2ead8d9476e6ee2d