Senior Research Specialist

Department
 

BSD SRF - ISAIRR

About the Department
 

The Integrated Small Animal Imaging Research Resource (iSAIRR) provides state-of-the art multi-modality animal imaging services to investigators across the University as well as other institutions. iSAIRR is a synergistically integrated infrastructure that offers a broad spectrum of imaging modalities, techniques, and services for in vivo imaging of small animals and ex vivo imaging of tissue/organ specimens. Our goal is to provide University of Chicago investigators and external users with state of the art, quantitative multi-modality imaging technologies to advance in-vivo molecular and physiological research of a broad range of disease and cancer models, and to accelerate pre-clinical development of novel terapeutics and diagnostic tools. Currently, iSAIRR sub-cores feature magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy (MRIS); optical imaging (bioluminescence and fluorescence); positron emission tomography, single photon emission computed tomography, and computed tomography (PET/SPECT/CT).

Job Summary
 

The job participates in 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.
The senior Research Specialist will perform advanced tasks working across all of iSAIRR’s subcores, independently and without supervision. This position requires high level of planning, interaction with other iSAIRR’s staff, iSAIRR’s users and principal investigators, as well as supporting administration. Therefore professionalism, integrity, excellent communication, people’s skills and organizational skills are paramount.

Responsibilities

MRIS subcore - Administrative tasks:

• Plan daily imaging schedule.

• Monthly billing.

• Supply management, including ordering for other subcores.

• Maintain support equipment, including scheduling annual service maintenance/calibration.

• Maintain software licenses.

• Communicate with and plan support/repairs as needed with building maintenance.

• Contribute to updating and maintaining core regulatory protocols.

• Develop and maintain updated written SOPs, including for other subcores.

• Monitor compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates.

Provides veterinary support to all subcores as needed to perform image acquisition, including:

• Animal set up for imaging of mice and rats including animal anesthesia, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, and intravenous injection of radioactive contrast agents and other solutions.

• Mouse and rats tail vein catheter placement and other surgical procedures.

• Ex vivo tissue harvest and analysis.

• Routine animal monitoring during and after imaging.

• Routine animal care and organization.

• Master new surgical techniques as needed to support iSAIRR users.

• Tissue culture and preparation of cell suspensions for inoculation.

• Monitoring tumor growth.

• Perform MRI imaging on Bruker 9.4T.

• Perform imaging on other equipment as needed.

• Perform microPET/SPECT/CT equipment daily, monthly, periodic QA/QC protocols.

• Analyze, evaluate, and summarize data for presentations and meetings.

• Assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.

• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• 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 2-5 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 a field relevant to research such as animal studies, biology, bioengineering.

Experience:

• Working with animals.

• Working with radioactive material.

• Instrumentation experience.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong knowledge in relevant scientific field.

• Strong knowledge of research techniques and methods.

• Strong knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

• Strong organizational and personal skills.

• Excellent time management and ability to prioritize work assignments.

• Ability to handle multiple concurrent tasks in a competent and professional manner.

• Analytical skills.

• Proficiency in veterinary techniques.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Strong computer skills.

• Verbal and written communication skills.

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

Working Conditions

• Ability to stand for prolonged hours.

• Ability to lift heavy objects.

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
 

30

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.

 

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