Position Details
This position is to assist postdoctoral researcher Sara Maurer as we research the effects of prenatal stress in the placenta and fetal brain. Stress during pregnancy leads to an increase in neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism spectrum disorder and ADHD. However, the specific mechanism of how that happens is unknown. If we could uncover a molecular link between stress and neurodevelopmental disorders, early and individualized therapies can be developed.

To achieve this goal, the Stevens lab is researching a mouse model of prenatal stress and is assessing the placenta as a gateway between maternal and fetal physiology. Current projects in the lab include assessing placental size, assessing placental inflammation, and and assessing cell proliferation in the brain. Frequent techniques used in these experiments are histology, immunohistochemistry (staining tissue to fluoresce a specific color for specific cells), stereology (counting cells), and qPCR.

We are seeking a motivated undergraduate to help with these experiments. You can expect to be individually and carefully mentored in these concepts and techniques by Dr. Maurer, who has previously achieved an award in mentoring.

Website

Qualifications
STEM major required in good academic standing. Freshmen and sophomores preferred. Attention to detail, clear note-taking, and excitement about science are skills that will greatly help in this position.

Time Commitment
10-12 hours/week

Start Date
Spring semester

Project Duration 
Ongoing or potential to be a continuous position

Compensation
Volunteer (Optional 0-credit hour course for transcript recognition)
Academic Credit (1-4 semester hours)

Apply By
February 13, 2023

How to Apply
Please email Sara Maurer at sara-maurer@uiowa.edu with a resume or CV and why you're interested in the position.