Research Specialist

Department
 

BSD PAT - Oakes Lab

About the Department
 

The Banani Lab is a newly established laboratory at UChicago that broadly investigates the disruption of cellular structure and physiology in various diseases to understand normal cellular functions and to enable new therapeutic strategies. We specialize in studying biomolecular condensation—a fundamental process cells use to organizing biochemical reactions into compartments through phase separation. These compartments, known as condensates, are disrupted in numerous diseases, ranging from cancers to rare genetic disorders. We leverage approaches from cell biology, genetics, biophysics, and pathology to glean fundamental principles of how condensates function by studying how they are disrupted in diseases.
Situated at the crossroads of the Department of Pathology and the Center for the Physics of Evolving Systems, our lab benefits from an interdisciplinary approach to science, integrating insights from biology, physics, engineering, and medicine. This unique setting enriches our research but also offers rich grounds for collaboration and innovation, contributing to the dynamic intellectual environment at UChicago. As part of our growth, we seek individuals passionate about contributing to a pioneering research environment, shaping our direction, and advancing our understanding of fundamental cell biology and pathology.

Job Summary
 

The Research Specialist position is designed for a motivated individual interested in contributing to a dynamic research environment at the exciting intersection of cell biology, biophysics, genetics, and pathology. The role focuses on investigating the functional roles of biomolecular condensation and its dysregulation human diseases. The individual in this role will participate in designing and conducting experiments, analyzing data, and contributing to the development of new methodologies to study condensate dysregulation in disease settings. As a Research Specialist in a new lab, the individual will have a unique opportunity to make substantial contributions to discovering new insights into the functionality of condensates, setting up research methodologies, participating in the lab's growth, and establishing the lab’s culture and research direction.

Responsibilities

• Engage actively in research projects from their inception, offering insights into experimental design and methodology.

• Design and execute cell biology, biochemistry, biophysics, and genetic experiments under the guidance of the principal investigator and in collaboration with researchers in the lab.

• Analyze experimental data using statistical and bioinformatics tools and drive the preparation of research findings for scientific presentations and publications in scientific journals.

• Maintain an organized laboratory notebook that documents experimental procedures and results.

• Be an active participant in lab meetings and seminars to foster a collaborative research environment.

• Participate in setting up the lab, including organizing the lab space and establishing experimental protocols, and play a role in the lab's growth by contributing ideas for efficiency and cutting-edge research approaches.

• Contribute to the operations, maintenance, and organization of the lab, including managing reagents, supplies, and equipment.

• Engage in continuous learning to remain well-informed on emerging concepts and technologies, and remain flexible and adaptable with the dynamic environment of the lab as our research efforts expand.

• 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.

---
Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

---
Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Molecular/Cell Biology, Biophysics, Genetics, or a related field.

Experience:

• Prior laboratory experience, particularly in molecular biology and cell culture techniques.

• Strong analytical skills and proficiency in the analysis of scientific data.

• Experience with biophysical and imaging techniques or a background in pathology or disease research.

​Preferred Competencies

• Excellent communication, organization, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

• Experimental work may require occasional weekend attention (ex. maintaining cell lines).

Application Documents

• 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
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

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.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu . Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.