Discipline: Biological sciences

Major: Molecular biology or surgery or related

Position title: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

A postdoctoral research position is available in the laboratory of Dr. Isaac Samuel in the Department of Surgery.  The research group focuses on understanding the pathogenesis of gallstone-induced acute pancreatitis using rodent surgical models and investigates the molecular and cell biological aspects of acute inflammation, stress kinases, transcription factors, chemokines, cytokines, signal transduction, growth factors, histopathology, and novel therapies for prevention/management of the condition.  The

Suitable candidates must have a doctoral degree (PhD, DVM, MD or equivalent) with specialization in either molecular biology or excellent surgical technique or both.  Adequate background in bench-top cell and molecular biology techniques with a keen interest to make substantial progress in both areas of small animal surgery and bench-top research is desired.  The trainee will be expected to perform intricate surgical procedures in an independent manner following appropriate instruction.  The successful applicant will be expected to design, execute and interpret experimental results and to work collaboratively with other members of the laboratory to advance projects.  An established interest in performing bench-top research and/or learning new techniques is strongly encouraged. The candidate should display evidence for independence, a strong sense of scientific integrity, and excellent writing skills as evidenced by a track record in publications.  Technical approaches which the candidate may pursue include: Western blots, ELISA, immune complex kinase assays, RNA isolation, PCR, mini-preps, gels, biochemical assays, immunohistochemistry, etc.  The goals of this program will be to support and engage the candidate toward scientific success as evidenced by manuscript publication and, potentially also, scientific research grant submissions.  The ideal candidate has already some related experience and is looking for an academic environment that provides the opportunity to develop a lifelong academic career in basic science research – including progressing to independent investigator status on scientific research grants.

The position is located at the University of Iowa, Carver College of Medicine in the Department of Surgery under the leadership of Isaac Samuel, MD, who has a strong record of VA and NIH funding including a current VA Merit Review Award (2008-2010), and a new 5 year NIH R01 grant that scored in the top 1 percentile.  Dr. Samuel is a leading pioneer in surgical pancreatitis models and the candidate will be able to learn about the model under Dr. Samuel. In addition, the candidate will have the opportunity to work in an interactive research environment and learn from an investigative research team of collaborative scientists.  

Applicant credentials are subject to verification, background checks will be conducted on final candidates of all positions in the University of Iowa.  The University of Iowa is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.  Interested candidates should electronically submit a current curriculum vitae with names and contact details (including e-mail address and telephone number) of three recent references to:

Isaac Samuel, MD

c/o Billie Ruden, Secretary to Dr. Isaac Samuel

billie-ruden@uiowa.edu