Research Technician

Department
 

BSD BMB - Research Staff: Pan Lab

About the Department
 

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology studies how biomolecules operate and interact to drive the complex and diverse behaviors of living systems. Our research encompasses all areas of modern biochemistry, including structural biology, biophysics, biomolecular engineering and design, and evolution. Members of the department ask broad and multifaceted questions. As a result, our trainees are well equipped for future academic and industrial careers in biochemistry and biophysics.

Job Summary
 

The Research Technician will work to investigate the RNA biochemistry and biology of microbiome-cancer axis. Use cell cultures, genome manipulation, animal models, and RNA sequencing. Design and optimize specific microbial strains and cultures, animal work with small molecules, constructing RNA sequencing libraries, and analysis of RNA sequencing results.
This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Responsibilities

• Assists in designing, performing, and analyzing experiments related RNA biology and microbiome-cancer biology.

• Performs biochemical assays and high throughput sequencing to evaluate RNA properties.

• Designs and validates assays for RNA properties.

• Animal work to study tumorigenesis.

• Performs molecular biology and protein and RNA biochemistry functions in order to generate and evaluate proteins and RNA of interest.

• Bacterial cell culture maintenance and manipulation.

• Mammalian cell culture maintenance and manipulation.

• Cellular functional assays.

• Provides assistance to other laboratory members working on similar projects.

• Maintains an organized laboratory and facilitates the smooth and congenial operation of the research group. 

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• 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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications
 

Education:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a field relevant to the research being conducted.

Experience:

• One year of relevant research experience.

• Experience in performing an independent research project.

• Experience in working with commensal bacteria culture.

• Experience with animal models.

• Familiarity with RNA sequencing library construction.

• Familiarity with RNA sequencing data analysis.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with common computer programs and standard molecular biology and biochemistry laboratory equipment.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to train others.

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field.

• Knowledge of research techniques or methods.

• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

• Analytical skills.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Organizational skills.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Ability to read and keep abreast of technical developments.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks under performance and time-related stress.

• Knowledge of data analysis.

• Publication record.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

• Weekend/Evening hours if needed for animal and/or cell culture work.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

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
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.

 

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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