Technical Director

Department
 

BSD SRF - Office of Shared Research Facilities

About the Department
 

The Human Immunologic Monitoring (HIM) facility serves as a specialized laboratory performing correlative assays and clinical specimen biobanking for cancer-based clinical trials. We participate in project development to assist in assay selection and optimization prior to study initiation. We offer a pick-up service for specimens from patients at the U of C Hospital or outpatient clinics, and process the samples as indicated for the assays being performed. For some studies, isolation and freezing of serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells for analysis at a later date is performed, while for others immediate staining of whole blood for specific cell surface markers of interest is carried out. In addition, our laboratory prepares clinical grade products, such as peptide vaccines, for administration into patients.
Assays performed include a wide variety of immunology-based assays such as ELISA, ELISPOT, tetramer binding assays, detection of cell surface markers by flow cytometry, and biochemical assays such as Western Blots. We also perform molecular biology assays such as RNA extraction from tumor biopsies and either real time RT-PCR for specific transcripts or preparation of samples for bulk or single cell RNAseq. Tumor biopsies are analyzed by spatial transcriptomics and multi-spectral immune fluorescence. Stool samples are prepared for microbiome sequencing and metabolomic analysis. Our facility is equipped with 10X Genomics Chromium iX controller, 10X Genomics CytAssist, EVOS M7000 Imaging System, Vectra Polaris automated quantitative pathology imaging station, Nanostring nCounter analysis system, Isoplexis Isolight system, ELISPOT reader, PCR thermocyclers, CO2 incubators, biosafety cabinets, anaerobic chamber, centrifuges, and equipment for Western blot analysis. Although we perform assays on human samples, consideration will be given to expanding these services to mouse-model systems.
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.

Job Summary
 

The job manages scientific research projects or scientific research facilities. Uses considerable on-the-job experience to ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Works independently to write articles, reports and manuscripts, and presents research findings at meetings and/or conferences.
The Director is responsible for planning, organizing and managing administrative functions and for overseeing technical operations of the HIM facility. Develop and implement new monitoring assays for clinical/translational studies. Establish new assay procedures and create SOPs. Manage clinical specimen logistics and storage. Prepare reports and drafts for grant proposals and scientific paper publications. Oversee technicians, maintain fee structures and chargeback accounts, and perform general laboratory management.

Responsibilities

• Responsibilities include development of new monitoring assays for clinical/translational studies.

• Establish new assay procedures and create SOPs.

• Manage clinical specimen logistics and storage.

• Prepare reports and drafts for grant proposals and scientific paper publications.

• Oversee technicians, maintain fee structures and chargeback accounts, and perform general laboratory management.

• Responsible for administrative function for the HIM including: generating operating and capital budgets, monitoring financial performance, hiring, training and supervising staff.

• Manage supply and reagents inventory; selection and maintenance of equipment; facilities management, information services, quality assurance practices.

• Adherence with compliance, accreditation and other regulatory requirements as well as institutional policies and procedures.

• Participate in the research study designs and generation of grant proposals, as well as performance of experiments and doing some of the assays in the facility.

• Manage workflow and execution of research operations of the HIM based upon policies, procedures and practices developed in conjunction with Faculty Director.

• Interact regularly with various Hospitals-University of Chicago – Cancer Research Center personnel while performing the responsibilities of the job.

• Uses subject matter and best practices knowledge to perform lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Works independently to assist with project design.

• Solves complex problems relating to the administration of projects, including planning new procedures, adapting existing procedures to the needs of the project, and making significant contributions to methodology.

• 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 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Ph.D. in immunology, laboratory medicine or related health science discipline OR a Master’s degree with a minimum of five years of experience in a field of study relevant to the research being conducted.

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Experience:

• Familiarity with T cell biology and human immunology.

• Experience with single cell technology, spatial technology, and multiplex.

• Minimum of three years of technical experience working in a clinical or research laboratory with a minimum of two years of supervisory experience strongly preferred.

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Preferred Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Must be able to follow complicated technical guidelines and execute laboratory procedures with a minimum of direct supervision.

• Work in an intellectually rigorous environment and be able to assimilate new knowledge and learn laboratory techniques in collaboration with faculty, residents and technical staff.

• Able to be called upon to train technical staff techniques and procedures as needed.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

• Incumbent is expected to possess manual dexterity normally associated with working as a technologist or technician in a clinical or research laboratory.

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
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

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.

 

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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