Senior Research Technician

Department

About the Department

Job Summary

Responsibilities

• Prepares DNA libraries for metagenomic sequencing and coordinates downstream bioinformatic processing.
• Prepares host cells for a variety of cell culture techniques, and aids in in vitro experiments managed in the lab.
• Manges Gnotobiotic mice and experiments.
• Manages institutional aspects of the DeLeon lab, including supply ordering, freezer maintenance and organization, and interdisciplinary collaborations with other research laboratories.
• Records findings/results.
• Maintains laboratory notebook and assists with record keeping within internal University LIMS.
• Performs basic lab techniques, including the making of bacterial growth medias, buffers, pipetting, immunoblots, PCR, and microscopy, performing experiments for specific projects.
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Work Experience:

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced degree in biochemistry, biology, and/or microbiology.

Experience:

• Background in in vitro cell culture systems and modelling.
• Animal model experience.
• Familiarity with microbiome wet lab experiments, including anaerobic chamber work, bacterial isolation, and microbiome sample preparation and analysis.
• Understanding of DNA/RNA extraction methodologies and data analysis pipelines.
• Bioinformatic and/or coding experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge in microbiology.
• Knowledge of research techniques, such as growing microbial cultures, animal experimentation, DNA/RNA/protein extractions, PCR, western blotting, microscopy, use of standard lab equipment including pH meter, scales, and cell culture hoods and practices.

Preferred Competencies

• Analytical skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable, willing to learn new skills, and take on new responsibilities.
• Effective time-management skills.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

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When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Role Impact

Scheduled Weekly Hours

Drug Test Required

Health Screen Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Pay Rate Type

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FLSA Status

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Pay Range

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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