Research Specialist

Department
 

BSD MIC – Missiakas Lab

About the Department
 

Members of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Chicago (microbiology.uchicago.edu) investigate the basic principles of microbial interactions with their hosts. Research topics include the study of viral and bacterial pathogens to better understand disease outcomes and improve therapies. Members of the Department also investigate the contribution of the microbiome in maintaining health and preventing disease, and to derive novel therapies. 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
 

This job provides technical support in scientific research projects. Research Specialists are responsible for executing projects, maintaining a daily notebook of research activity, writing reports to summarize data, and presenting research data.

Responsibilities

• Perform experimental and small animal research in Biosafety Level 2 or 3 laboratories.

• Perform training of staff in the vivarium

• Perform basic cell and molecular biology experiments including growing bacterial and mammalian cultures, cloning, as well as performing genetic manipulations, microscopy, biochemistry, and purification of proteins. 

• Perform data collection and data analysis.

• Collaborate and communicate with other laboratory members.

• Write concise research notes and reports.

• 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.

• 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 science or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience in small animal research.

• Experience in one of the following fields: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, or microbiology.

• Experience in a research lab.

• Knowledge of molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, and microbiology.

• Knowledge of computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

​Preferred Competencies

• Good communication skills.

• Good organization skills.

Working Conditions

• Wet laboratory and animal laboratory.

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
 

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.

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.