Research Specialist 2

Department
 

BSD MGC - Executive Administrator: Mets Lab

About the Department
 

Two Research Specialists 2 will be hired to form a two-member team working to develop a living microbial catalyst that could support a new renewable energy system. One member (this job posting) is expected to bring hands-on expertise in reactor/fermentation systems, basic electronics, electronic instrumentation and computer interfacing. The other member is expected to bring hands-on expertise in basic microbiology, molecular biology and the tools of genetic engineering. It is expected that success in the project would lead directly to opportunities for the team members within an emerging sector of the renewable energy industry that has very strong growth potential. Employment in the positions at the University of Chicago will be contingent upon continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

• Assists with developing or amending study protocols; assists with developing data collection tools; assists 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 with a major in an area of science (e.g. biology, physics or chemistry) or engineering (e.g. chemical engineering).

Experience:

• Prior experience with computerized data acquisition, instrument interfacing for data acquisition, some basic electronics. Adept at computerized data analysis.

Preferred Competencies

• Familiarity with reactor/fermentor design, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry.

• Analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment (e.g. pH meters, gas chromatograph) and common data analysis software.

• Attention to detail and organizational skills.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

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

Working Conditions

• Moderate physical activity which includes reaching for materials, carrying materials, safe handling and manipulation of chemicals and biological materials according to approved protocols, writing, computer use, standing at the bench, and bending at the waist/crouching to access certain pieces of equipment.

• Requires the ability to stand for long periods of time, very good manual dexterity and the ability to perform fine motor tasks. 

• Weekend/Evening hours are occasionally needed.

Application Documents

• Resume or CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• References (2) (required)

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
 

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.

 

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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