Neurology Student Research Assistant
The Department of Neurology at the University of Iowa is seeking enthusiastic and highly motivated undergraduate Research Assistants to work in the Iowa Neuroscience Institute, specifically in the lab of Dr. Georgina Aldridge. This position offers hand-on training in cutting-edge neurobiological techniques and is ideal for students interested in neuroscience or biomedical research careers.
Research is focused on understanding mechanisms by which dementia with Lewy Body (a Parkinson’s disorder) and other mixed dementias, affects the brain, leading to diverse and devastating symptoms.
Duties to include:
- Assisting with mouse experiments: behavior and physiology.
- Quantifying data from mouse experiments- for example scoring sleep from mouse EEG.
- Conducting microscopy or data analysis of histology and immunohistochemistry of mice and/or human brain samples.
- Performing histology or immunochemistry on mouse samples.
- Widefield imaging, image-analysis tasks, confocal imaging.
- Data organization and documentation following lab standards.
- Data input for human dementia registry subjects (scanning, data input, potential for data analysis and independent research depending on abilities).
Time Commitment: Between 10-20 hours/week. Ability to commit to at least 10-12 hours/week is highly preferred. Note: Student positions can work a maximum of 20 hours/week during academic semesters and 40 hours/week during breaks.
Schedule: Schedule may vary, depending on project timelines. Some duties will allow for flexible hours, while others require blocks of time over consistent days. Specific schedule to be discussed with supervisor during interview and/or upon hire.
Pay: Between $11-$12.50/hour, based on prior relevant experience.
Required Qualifications
- Must be currently registered as an undergraduate student at the University of Iowa. Major in biology, neuroscience, or biomedical science is preferred.
- Basic computer knowledge. There are also opportunities for individuals with stronger computer science background, including complex data analysis.
- Reliability, integrity, attention to detail, and willingness to perform repetitive (but often complex) tasks in a consistent manner.
- Ability to follow oral and written instructions
- Regular and reliable attendance
Desired Qualifications
- Ability to commit to at least 10-12 hours/week is highly preferred.
- Ability to work over academic breaks preferred.
- Prior research experience is helpful but not required; all training will be provided.
- Current or recent course work in neuroscience.
Dr. Georgina Aldridge is a cognitive neurologist in the Department of Neurology working on mouse models of Dementia with Lewy Bodies, human autopsy tissue, and a registry of human dementia participants.
Dr. Aldridge is committed to the development of trainees. The open laboratory space is massively collaborative; the Aldridge Lab maintains strong ties with several senior laboratories. Undergraduate students are highly valued and are expected to contribute to discussions and project design as opportunities arise. There are frequent teaching opportunities by members of the research team. Students who stay for multiple years with high level of performance and intellectual contribution (e.g., independent study of primary literature, active discussion integrating findings, assisting with writing data analysis and/or interpretation, etc.) will gain graduated responsibilities and new opportunities, including potential for independent projects, conference presentations, and co-authorship.
To apply, please attach:
- Up-to-date resume/CV
- Cover letter that includes a paragraph describing any past work and a paragraph describing your interest in research.
- Spring 2026 and Summer 2026 availability
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check.