Education J-1 Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa

INTRODUCTION

University of Iowa Health Care Department of Urology seeks a highly motivated Post Doc Research Scholar to play a pivotal role in building the lab infrastructure, implementing organoid culture protocols, and performing functional and molecular assays. This position offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and contribute to cutting-edge bladder cancer research with direct clinical impact. We are launching a state-of-the-art research laboratory dedicated to developing patient-derived bladder cancer organoid (PDO) models and integrating genomic and transcriptomic profiling to advance personalized medicine in bladder cancer. This lab will serve as a cornerstone for translational research, drug sensitivity testing, and biomarker discovery.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist in establishing the Bladder Cancer Research Laboratory with emphasis on organoid and molecular biology, including equipment selection, ordering, and setup.

• Develop and maintain SOPs for tissue processing, organoid culture, and downstream molecular residual disease (MRD) assays from patient liquid biopsies such as blood and urine.

• Ensure compliance with institutional biosafety and ethical guidelines.

• Process patient-derived bladder tumor tissue for PDO generation and cryopreservation.

• Perform organoid culture, maintenance, and expansion using advanced 3D culture systems.

• Conduct organoid chemosensitivity testing using viability and apoptosis assays.

• Maintain and expand an annotated cryo-preserved biorepository of patient urine and blood products paired with the tumor tissue and organoids.

• Prepare samples for RNA sequencing, whole-exome sequencing, and ctDNA analysis.

• Maintain accurate and detailed experimental records to ensure data integrity.

• Work closely with clinical teams for timely specimen acquisition and sample tracking.

• Collaborate with international partner laboratories to implement and refine protocols.

• Present findings in internal meetings and external scientific forums and contribute to the preparation of manuscripts and grant proposals.

• Maintain cell culture facilities, molecular biology workstations, and inventory.

• Train and supervise junior staff, students, and/or technicians as needed.

• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENT:

Master's or Ph.D. in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Cancer Biology, or a related field.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture and sterile techniques.

• Familiarity with tissue handling and molecular biology workflows including quantitative PCR.

• Working knowledge of software applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite.

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prior experience with organoid culture systems (tumor or normal tissue).

• Knowledge of bladder cancer biology or urologic oncology.

• Experience with molecular assays (ddPCR, immunostaining, sequencing); bioinformatics familiarity is a plus.

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.

• Strong communication skills for cross-institutional collaboration.

ONLINE APPLICATION REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

• Curriculum Vita
• Letters of Interest

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

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact: Sandy A Moenk - sandy-moenk@uiowa.edu
Cmed-Urology
Carver Pavilion
200 Hawkins Drive
3126 RCP
Iowa City, IA 52242
Phone: 319-356-0748

The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity 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, or associational preferences.

Persons with disabilities may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu, to inquire or discuss accommodation needs.

Prospective employees may review the University Campus Security Policy and the latest annual crime statistics by contacting the Department of Public Safety at 319/335-5022.