The University of Iowa Health Care department of Neurology is looking for a Research Assistant to support the Dr. Qiang (Johnson) Zhang in the Narayanan Laboratory, a fast-paced lab that studies the mechanisms of cognitive dysfunction, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. This position is responsible for working with animals and performing aseptic surgery, neurophysiology, optogenetics, and histology.

Position Responsibilities

• Runs mice on operant behavioral tasks.
• Performs drug injections and administers drugs to mice.
• Performs stereotaxic surgery, implanting small hardware under aseptic procedures.
• Documents and tracks daily activities.
• Interacts with others, both internal and external to the lab, about studies.
• Works on other projects as deemed appropriate.

Pay Grade: 3A - https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/plans

Percent of Time: 100%

Please note: This is a specified term position that will last 12 months. An extension may be reviewed after the initial 12 months but is not guaranteed.

The Narayanan Laboratory is dedicated to working towards new knowledge, biomarkers, and targeted treatments for human brain disease. The lab’s research goal is to map cognitive circuits to identify novel biomarkers and treatments for brain diseases that impair higher-order thought. To that end, studies focus on cortical and basal ganglia circuits defined by dopamine, which is relevant to Parkinson's disease as well as schizophrenia, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s disease. The lab uses a combination of electroencephalography (EEG), neuronal ensemble recordings, optogenetics, brain stimulation, and behavioral neuroscience from rodents to humans.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Degree in relevant field of science, psychology, or neuroscience preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Knowledge of basic experimental design in animal models and biological psychology/neuroscience.
• Experience with IT infrastructure and standard office software.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including effectively communicating (written and verbally) with vendors, collaborators, and project researchers.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, reliability.

Desired Qualifications

• Previous experience as a research assistant in a Psychology or Neuroscience lab.
• Basic knowledge and experience with MATLAB coding and/or biological/behavioral data analysis.
• Prior experience with rodent handling and husbandry.

Please attach a resume as part of the application process. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum 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 five (5) professional references may be requested at a later point in the recruitment.

If your H-1B petition is subject to the September 19, 2025, Presidential Proclamation, please note that the department will not cover the $100,000 payment associated with H-1B sponsorship, either at the time of hire or for international travel purposes. We encourage you to explore alternative pathways for work authorization. Our team is available to help identify options that may be suitable for your situation.

Please direct questions to Lilli Wulff at lilwulff@uiowa.edu.