Research Specialist

Department
 

PME Clerk Lab

About the Department
 

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu/) was established in May 2018 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.
This will be a 6-month contract eligible for extension based on project funding.

Job Summary
 

The Clerk and Verresen research team within the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is seeking a full-time Research Specialist to support the day-to-day operational and research needs of complex research projects that involve working and supporting the research in the lab as needed. The candidate will engage in theoretical research on driven dissipative phenomena in many-body quantum systems and will help develop protocols based on employing adaptive quantum circuits.
The Research Specialist will also help conduct research on the quantum topological properties of bosonic systems subject to pairing interactions and/or two-particle driving. The successful candidate will be highly motivated and have a strong track record. The selected individual will have access to state-of-the-art research facilities and gain in-depth knowledge of the research frontiers in the fields of STEM. He/she will also have the opportunity to be a part of a world-class scientific team and be involved in vigorous research programs.

Responsibilities

• Conducts research and development in the field of quantum systems with a focus on adaptive quantum circuits.
• Collaborates with internal and external design and engineering teams to develop quantum systems.
• Disseminates the research results in high-impact journals and national/international conferences.
• Contributes new ideas that can lead to research grant proposals.
• 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.
• Installs, sets up, and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Conducts periodic training for current and new members of the laboratory.
• May serve as a lead research specialist.
• Complies with institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Takes responsibility for the following non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• 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:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the research being conducted (e.g., chemistry, physics, etc).
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Possess experience in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Conducting wet or dry lab work in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Working within academic and laboratory research environments, preferably in an independent project (e.g., undergrad summer projects).

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Basic computer proficiency, including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• For computational candidates, knowledge of basic programming in a few coding languages.
• Knowledge of relevant scientific fields.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

Preferred Competencies

• Flexible and agile in changing research focus.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills, including attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend scientific and technical literature, and methods to stay abreast of developments in the field.
• Work independently and collaborate with other lab personnel.
• Attention to detail.
• Train others.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

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

Job Family
 

Research

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

 

Staff 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.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

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