Research Support Assistant

Department
 

BSD PAT - Esterhazy Lab

About the Department
 

The lab studies how immune homeostasis is maintained in the digestive system, and how its failure can lead to diseases such as food allergies, inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), autoimmune diseases and cancer. In particular, the lab explores immunologically distinct niches within the digestive system, studies how they are created by dietary, commensal colonization and infection history in the course of a lifetime, and what the systemic impact of each niche may be. We are analyzing the impact on the innate and adaptive immune system at the physiological, cellular and molecular level. 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
 

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. This is a unique opportunity to participate in building a new research group. Under supervision, the Research Support Assistant performs and assists with immunology and metabolism experiments and bioinformatic analysis of gene expression experiments; independently manages mouse colony breeding and genotyping; participates in laboratory meetings regarding current research and other lab activities; and assists with organizing laboratory, ordering supplies, and training of lab members.

Responsibilities

• Performs and assists with immunology and metabolism experiments under supervision of principal investigator, postdoctoral researcher or graduate student.
• Assists with experiments that involve transgenic mouse colony breeding and genotyping; bioinformatic analysis of gene expression experiments.
• Participates in laboratory meetings regarding current research and other lab activities.
• Assists with organizing laboratory and ordering supplies.
• Maintains a safe environment for others and self; adheres to safety policies and procedures.
• 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.

Experience:

• Research lab environment.
• Basic immunology coursework.
• Skill in mouse breeding and genotype analysis.
• Computer proficiency.

Preferred Competencies

• Interact with a diverse workforce.
• Manage deadlines.
• Work as a member of a team as well as independently.
• Analytical thinking.

Working Conditions

• Work in a competitive environment with the mental demands of scientific experiments.
• Regularly required to stand and sit for prolonged periods of time.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.
• Visual acuity is an essential element of this position.
• May be required to walk for prolonged periods.
• Job involves frequent exposure to live mice and rats.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV(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
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

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.

 

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.