Research Technician I

Department
 

BSD SRF - Human Tissue Resource Center - Biobank

About the Department
 

The Human Tissue Research Center (HTRC) is a University of Chicago Biological Sciences Division (BSD) Core Facility that is managed by the Office of Shared Research Facilities (OSRF). The HTRC is accredited by the College of American Pathologists (CAP) and is administratively divided into two sub-cores: Histology and Biospecimen Bank (Biobank). The Biobank sub-core provides institutional biospecimen banking services for IRB-approved protocols involving human tissues and body fluids. The Biobank sub-core also serves as the biospecimen distribution center, providing previously collected samples to investigators for their research needs. In addition, the Biobank sub-core offers Digital Pathology services with automated, high-throughput scanning for publication quality images and quantitative image analysis.

Job Summary
 

The Research Technician I will function within the Biospecimen Bank arm of the HTRC and will perform various duties related to the provision of these services. Daily work with human biospecimens is required. The job provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

• Processing of whole blood into components (plasma and serum).

• Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

• Assisting in processing of human tissue.

• Use of an electronic inventory management system to track sample custody and long-term storage locations in the HTRC Freezer Farm.

• Communicating with CRAs about sample delivery and process times of samples via phone/email/pager.

• Accessing -80C and liquid nitrogen (-196C) freezers and dry ice chest with appropriate PPE.

• Maintaining adequate stock of supplies.

• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.

• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.

• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.

• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

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

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

---
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 degree in a related field.

Experience:

• Experience using centrifuges.

• Experience with DNA extraction.

• Experience with PBMC isolation.

• Experience working with human biospecimens.

Preferred Competencies

• Multitask in a fast-paced environment.  

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.  

• Must be detail oriented.

• Exceptional responsibility and attentiveness to detail.

• Mature, reliable, and professional demeanor.

• Ability to interact effectively with a variety of health care professionals, including faculty investigators, research managers, nursing and technical support staff.

• Familiarity with Windows-based operating systems and common software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Web-based applications.

Working Conditions

• Lab Environment.

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
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

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.