General Laboratory Assistant

The Molecular Otolaryngology & Renal Research Laboratories (MORL) is a not-for-profit translational laboratory that focuses on non-syndromic hearing loss and complement-mediated renal disease. We provide the most accurate and comprehensive genetic testing available today for non-syndromic hearing loss and are world renown for our expertise in rare complement-mediated renal diseases.

As a translational laboratory research scientists, graduate students, and post-doctoral students in our Research Division of the MORL tackle novel questions germane to increasing our knowledge base of non-syndromic hearing loss and complement-mediated renal disease, including the development of new treatment options for both hearing loss and rare complement-mediated renal diseases.  Findings of direct clinical relevance are quickly transferred to our Clinical Diagnostics Division to ensure that healthcare providers are always offering to their patients the best possible tests.

Job Overview

The General Laboratory Assistant Student Employee will assist the MORL in organizing and maintaining clean and safe clinical and research laboratories. Daily tasks include cleaning equipment, removing full biohazard bins, inventorying, and ordering supplies as needed, and communicating issues to the lab supervisor.

Work Schedule

• This position consists of daily hours available Monday through Friday 8am to 4:30 pm.
• For daily hours during the school year,  we are willing to work around class schedule.
• For Summer 2025 there is the potential for up to 40 hours/ week, as well as the possibility for 40 hours/week during holiday/ spring break.
• Flexibility based on student schedule, but a minimum of 10 hours a week in 2-hour chunks is expected during school semesters.

Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities:

• Clean glassware & instruments, restocks shelves.
• Restock tips and tubes for laboratory staff experiments. 
• Maintain laboratory consumable stocks and order supplies as needed.
• Changing biohazard waste as needed.
• Organizing and archiving patient samples
• Complete scheduled quality assessments
• Maintain organization of patient long-term storage
• General Laboratory upkeep including gel electrophoresis room maintenance, eye wash maintenance, and making general reagents. 
• Able to work with a team and independently, able to multitask & quick learner
• Computer competency in Microsoft Office especially Outlook, Excel and Word preferred
• Adhere to written and verbal safety rules.
• Must be dependable and efficient.
• Must be willing to follow all safety protocols for working in a Biomedical laboratory, including wearing PPE, or proper protective equipment (safety glasses, gloves, lab coat), and dress properly (long pants, shoes that completely cover the feet, etc). Note, PPE will be provided to the applicant following the hiring process.
• Solid communication skills.

Additional Qualifications

• Interest in biological and medical sciences preferred.
• It is essential the applicant be detail orientated, very reliable, and able to work independently.
• No previous lab experience needed, will train.
• Potential for research projects/expanded responsibilities possible with outstanding performance in general lab duties.

 Application Process: Applications and interviews are done on a rolling basis, which means we will screen applicants and interview in the order they are submitted and/or screened in the MORL. 

Equal opportunity/affirmative action employer

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact Jori Hendon at jori-hendon@uiowa.edu.