Research Associate - Anatomy & Cell Biology (Ryan Lab) - 50%

The Research Associate – Computational Scientist supports research efforts in Dr. Amy Ryan’s laboratory, which studies lung regeneration and the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying mucociliary clearance. Under general supervision the position will provide comprehensive computational and data science support across all laboratory projects, with a primary focus on advanced analysis of high-dimensional biological datasets, including bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, epigenomics, proteomics, and multimodal data integration.

This role involves the development, implementation, and maintenance of computational pipelines; application of statistical and machine learning methodologies; and generation of integrative models of mucociliary function in lung health and disease. The Research Associate collaborates closely with experimental scientists, trainees, and collaborators, contributing to study design, data interpretation, visualization, and dissemination. The position may also support data infrastructure efforts, including database development, data warehousing, and innovative computational tools that enhance data sharing, reproducibility, and discovery.

Duties will include:

• Computational and Bioinformatic Analysis

  • 
    Perform computational analyses of biological datasets, including bulk RNA-seq and single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq), following established laboratory and field-standard workflows.

  • 
    Conduct quality control, normalization, differential expression analysis, clustering, pathway analysis, and data visualization under guidance from senior staff or investigators.

  
  
  • Apply basic to intermediate statistical and machine learning approaches to support modeling of mucociliary clearance mechanisms.

• Data Integration and Computational Support

  • Assist in the integration of multimodal datasets (e.g., transcriptomic, epigenomic, proteomic, and phenotypic data).
  • Help maintain, adapt, and document computational pipelines and scripts to ensure reproducibility and accuracy.
  • Generate figures, summaries, and visualizations for manuscripts, presentations, grant applications, and internal reports.
  • Support development and maintenance of laboratory databases, data repositories, or data warehouse portals as assigned.

• Research Collaboration

  • Work collaboratively with laboratory members, including faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and trainees, to support data interpretation and experimental planning.
  • Communicate computational findings clearly to non-computational collaborators.
  • Assist in preparing documentation of computational methods for publications and regulatory or funding requirements.

• Data Management and Compliance

  • Organize, document, and maintain computational data, code, and analysis outputs in accordance with laboratory and institutional standards.
  • Adhere to data management, security, and responsible conduct of research policies.
  • Maintain version control and analysis records to support transparency and reproducibility.

• Professional Development and Laboratory Support

  • Learn and apply new computational and bioinformatic methods relevant to ongoing laboratory projects.
  • Participate in laboratory meetings and training activities.
  • Perform other research-related duties as assigned, consistent with the PRK2 classification.

Percent of Time: 500%

Salary: $23,225 to commensurate

Pay Grade: 4A - https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/professional-and-scientific-pay-structure

Type of Position: Specified Term. Initial appointment is for one year. Appointment may be extended based on performance and availability of funding.

Benefits Highlights

• Regular salaried position located in Iowa City, Iowa
• Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans
• For more information about Why Iowa?, click here