Research Analyst/Tech

Department
 

BSD BMB - Research Staff: Piccirilli Lab

About the Department
 

We study how biomolecules function and interact to drive the complex, diverse, and adaptive behaviors of living systems. Our focus is on biological mechanism at the atomic level. We are pioneers in all areas of biophysics, structural biology, and protein engineering and design. We have strong collaborative ties to the IBD, Chemistry, GGSB, MGCB, and Neurobiology.

Job Summary
 

The job performs routine assignments related to 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. Our facet of the lab focuses on studying transition state (TS) structure in RNA catalytic systems. Understanding these TS structures is critical to understanding biological catalysis, enzyme engineering, and targeting RNA with small molecules. The project involves collaborative with a team at the University of Florida led by Michael Harris and a team at Rutgers led by Darrin York. The project is highly interdisciplinary and requires an ability to work effectively in a team environment. The tools that will be utilized enzyme kinetics, isotope effects, and nucleotide synthesis.

Responsibilities

• RNA transcription and characterization.

• Characterization of synthetic RNA.

• Performing kinetic analysis using radioactive isotopes.

• Scintillation counting.

• Analysis and interpretation of structural data.​

• 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 and expected Master of Arts (MA) degree in chemical or related sciences with specialization in biochemistry.

Experience:

• Knowledge and experience of working with biologically active molecules, especially RNA.

• Experience in in vitro RNA synthesis (i.e., RNA transcription, oligoribonucleotides solid-phase synthesis and characterization), working with radioactive material (32P) as well as the experience in designing and performing biochemical assays e.g., thio effects, mutational and metal-ion rescue analysis, together with data analysis and interpretation is strongly preferred.

Application Documents

• CV/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
 

No

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.

 

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