Research Technician

Department
 

BSD MED - Gastroenterology

About the Department
 

The Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology at The University of Chicago is consistently ranked among the best specialty nationally by U.S News and World Report. With nearly 30 specialists on staff, our program plays a leading role in the understanding of digestive diseases and in developing innovative and successful treatments for patients. Since forming the nation’s first full-time department of gastroenterology in 1927, our physicians have continually improved treatments for digestive tract and related disorders by combining medical research, education, and patient care at the highest level.

Job Summary
 

The Section of Gastroenterology is looking for a Research Technician with a strong background in microbiology to join our interdisciplinary team to help design and perform research experiments. The Cheng lab is seeking a highly motivated laboratory technician to build gut microbial communities from scratch. Our laboratory’s ultimate goal is to understand and unlock the tremendous promise of the microbiome for treatment of human disease. As our Synthetic Microbiome Technician you will be responsible for building experimental and therapeutic complex microbial communities. Your primary duties will be to execute community construction pipelines, to create and maintain anaerobic bacterial isolate stocks, with opportunities to implement new technologies for process optimization. You will also be responsible for preparing microbial samples for next generation metagenomic and 16S sequencing. If interested, you can also assist with gnotobiotic animal experiments.
This position offers rigorous training in anaerobic microbiology, the opportunity to participate in extensive collaborations with national and international labs, and the option for promotion to senior technician or scientist. You will be joining an inclusive and supportive group whose mission is to advance both the science and team!

Responsibilities

• Culture and cryopreserve fastidious anaerobic microbes.

• Prepare DNA libraries for metagenomic sequencing.

• Assist with animal experimentation, including gnotobiotic and specific pathogen free mouse lines.

• Record findings/results.

• Maintain laboratory notebook.

• Help with lab maintenance, ordering of supplies, stocking shelves, clean up.

• Perform basic lab techniques (making of bacterial growth medias, buffers, pipetting, immunoblots, PCR, microscopy), performing experiments for specific projects.

• 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 in Biological Sciences or related field.

Experience:

• Relevant research experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field.

• Analytical skills.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Organizational skills.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.

• Effective time-management skills.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (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

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

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.

 

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