Lead Research Specialist

Updated: almost 2 years ago
Location: Chicago, ILLINOIS
Job Type: FullTime
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Department
 

BSD SRF - Human Tissue Resource Center: Biobank - Biofluids


About the Department
 

The Human Tissue Research Center (HTRC) is a University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division (BSD) Core Facility that is managed by the Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF). The HTRC is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and is administratively divided into two sub-cores: Histology and Biospecimen Bank (Biobank). The Biobank sub-core provides institutional biospecimen banking services for IRB-approved protocols involving human tissues and body fluids. The Biobank sub-core also serves as the biospecimen distribution center, providing previously collected samples to investigators for their research needs. In addition, the Biobank sub-core offers Digital Pathology services with automated, high-throughput scanning for publication quality images and quantitative image analysis.


Job Summary
 

The job participates in scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. The Lead Research Specialist will function within the Biospecimen Bank arm of the HTRC and will be responsible for day-to-day operations, training technicians, lymphocyte DNA isolation and DNA quantification.

Responsibilities

60% Biospecimen Processing, Storage and Distribution

  • Participates in the processes various types of biofluid specimens including blood, plasma, serum, peripheral blood monocyte (PBMC) isolation, urine, and saliva.

  • Registration, storage and retrieval of biospecimens in the freezer farm.

35% Biobanking protocol development, approval and communications

  • Oversee the lab’s lymphocyte DNA isolation operation.

  • Trains new staff on the performance of biospecimens processing.

  • Oversees the labs supplies and is responsible for ordering.

  • Assist the Technical Director of Biobanking in working with researchers to develop biofluid banking protocols.

  • Assist the Technical Director in coordinating, scheduling and running biobanking meetings for all new and existing protocols (track, edit and update HTRC Service Applications).

5% Other functions

  • Assist in LabVantage laboratory information management (LIM) system monitoring and maintenance and billing activities as needed.

  • Other duties as determined by the Scientific Director.

  • 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:

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

Experience:

  • Wet lab experience.

Preferred Competencies

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Strong analytical and mathematical skills.

  • Exceptional responsibility and attentiveness to detail.

  • Mature, reliable, and professional demeanor.

  • Ability to interact effectively with a variety of health care professionals, including faculty investigators, research managers, nursing and technical support staff.

  • Familiarity with Windows-based operating systems and common software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Web-based applications.

Working Conditions

  • Lab environment.

  • Light lifting and bending.

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
 

Monthly


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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.



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