Research Specialist

Department
 

PME Hubbell Lab

About the Department
 

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu/) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary
 

We are looking for a Research Specialist excited about translational research in immunoengineering to join the Hubbell Lab at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering. This position is an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in gaining an additional year of research experience before/while applying for graduate/medical school. The candidate will assist in ongoing research projects aimed at harnessing the immune system for the treatment of heart disease and cancer. This role is highly interdisciplinary, involving protein engineering, immunology, and molecular biology. The candidate will perform wet lab work including mammalian cell culture, protein production, and biomolecular assays in addition to animal handling including injections and tumor measurements. The candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team passionate about making a difference in healthcare. We believe that diversity is essential for the advancement of science and encourage individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM to apply.

Responsibilities

• Helps develop, design, and conduct research projects according to plan including collecting, analyzing, and maintaining data and/or specimens.

• Produce proteins in mammalian cells including cell culture, transfection, and protein purification. 

• Perform biomolecular and cellular assays including SDS PAGE, ELISA, and flow cytometry.

• Handle animals including subcutaneous/intraperitoneal injections and tumor measurements.

• Under general supervision of the principal investigator, supervise and/or assist with the complex technical duties in a laboratory doing non-clinical as well as clinical research. 

• Carries small independent projects as well as basic bench-level experiments and techniques and/or computational work.

• Documents and assists with interpreting experimental data and adjusting experimental protocols, including drafting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory.

• Reports data to supervisor and attends team meetings to share results, plan projects and experiments, and ensure that projects support current team goals.

• Transcribes and records data, contributing to data interpretation and analysis.

• Assists with training newer, less-experienced lab personnel to become proficient with routine procedures and protocols.

• Assists in maintaining and organizing lab space and inventory of laboratory supplies (ex maintains stock of reagents).

• Interacts with vendors to address equipment, reagent, or supply solutions, including working with all levels of staff to assist in evaluating new equipment.

• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• 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.

• 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 or above in a field relevant to the research being conducted (ex: B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, Biological Sciences, or related fields).

Experience:

• Significant relevant research experience but job training will be available.

• Experience working in higher education, academic, or industrial research environment.

• Previous wet lab experience and familiarity with standard laboratory equipment.

• Experience with biomolecular assays (e.g., ELISA).

• Experience with cell culture/sterile technique.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

• Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of relevant scientific fields.

• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.

• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend scientific and technical literature, and methods to stay abreast of developments in the field.

• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team and interact with a diverse workforce.

• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.

• Must be able to prioritize urgent tasks while ensuring established deadlines are met.

• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to changes in workflow and procedures.

• Ability to work independently and collaborate with other lab personnel.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (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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