Research Specialist 2

Department
 

BSD PPS - Executive Administrator

About the Department
 

The Research Specialist 2 position is available in the laboratory of Deborah Nelson at The University of Chicago to study cell biology of human disease. The Nelson laboratory is NIH funded to examine the role of extracellular vesicles as nanodelivery agents in the resolution of human disease in three cellular contexts: control of pathogen killing in innate immunity, resolution of disorders of bone formation including osteoporosis, and neutralization of infection decoy targets for SARS-CoV-2 virus in the lung.

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

• Performs basic molecular biology techniques including protein, RNA, and DNA preparations, Western blotting, RT-PCR, PCR, and cloning.
• 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:

• Master’s degree in related field

Experience:

• Experience in extracellular vesicle isolation, molecular biology, tissue culture and fluorescence microscopy.
• Conversant in basic molecular/cellular biology techniques including protein, RNA, and DNA preparations, Western blotting, and PCR.
• Demonstrated publication record.
• Ability to present research findings at meetings and/or conferences.
• Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies.

Preferred Competencies

• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and common data analysis software.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills. 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)
• List of 2 references (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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