Research Assistant

Department
 

BSD OBG - Lengyel Lab

About the Department
 

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has 136 clinical providers, providing care at the main hospital in Hyde Park and seven off site locations. We have more than 68,000 outpatient visits, 28,000 ultrasound visits, 2,800 deliveries, and 3,300 surgeries per year. Teaching, research, and the highest quality clinical care are top priorities for the Department. The residency and fellowship programs are highly ranked and have a history of training leaders in healthcare. The Department also has a significant research enterprise, engaging in population health studies, as well as research conducted in wet laboratories on tumor biology, fibroid research, and hypertensive diseases in pregnancy. Additionally, the Section of Family Planning has established a unique research center, CI3, which focuses on reproductive policy and innovations in sexual and reproductive health. The department was ranked #16 on the 2022-2023 U.S. News & World Report.
The gynecologic cancer research laboratory was established at the University of Chicago by Dr. Lengyel in 2004. This position will be focusing more heavily on uterine and ovarian carcinosarcomas. Our main goals include:
1. Understand the immune microenvironment of ovarian and endometrial carcinosarcoma, including interactions between cancer cells, stroma, fibroblasts, mesothelial cells, and immune cells.
2. Identify new treatment targets and evaluate the efficacy of these therapeutics in pre-clinical models to prepare for their translation into the clinic
3. Investigate the validity of agents that are effective treatments in other cancers to delay or inhibit the development of gynecologic cancers
4. Utilize advanced proteomic and genomic analysis methods to gain further insights into endometrial and ovarian carcinosarcoma biology and develop tools for endometrial and ovarian cancer treatment
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
 

This position 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.
The gynecologic cancer research laboratory is looking for a Research Assistant to join its research team. Specifically, the Research Assistant will provide technical and administrative support for translational research projects primarily relating to endometrial and ovarian carcinosarcoma.

Responsibilities

• Investigates the immune microenvironment of ovarian and endometrial carcinosarcoma, involving human tissue, in vivo mouse models, three-dimensional organotypic, and primary cell models, to perform translational research. Works collaboratively with the principal investigators, fellows, students and other research specialists.
• Assists in organizing and managing the laboratory.
• Works collaboratively with the team and collaborators.
• Assists in management of animal colony and animal experiments.
• Conducts periodic training for current and new members of the laboratory.
• Contributes to, and sometimes leads, the writing of academic papers, reports and final summaries.
• Collects, records, and analyzes data.
• Assists with planning, development, and execution of related clinical research.
• Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Presents research findings at staff meetings, seminars, and scientific conferences.
• Processes and banks bio specimens and extraction of DNA.
• Provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research, and analysis under direction.
• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under supervision. Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• 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.
• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• 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 in field relevant to the research (e.g., biology, cell biology, cancer biology).

Experience:

• One year of relevant research experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field.
• Research techniques or methods.
• Regulatory policies and procedures.
• Microsoft Office.

Preferred Competencies

• Organizational skills.
• Problem-solving.
• Collaboration and Independence.
• Attention to detail.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.
• Stand for extended periods.
• Use computer for extended periods.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (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

Drug Test Required
 

Yes

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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