Junior Research Technician

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago’s Biological Sciences Division invites applications for a Junior Research Technician to support biomedical research projects in the Human Tissue Resource Center Biobank.

The role involves processing whole blood components, PBMC isolation, and assisting tissue sample handling, with communication to Clinical Research Coordinators and investigators about sample delivery and timelines.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include vocational training or equivalent experience in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Experience with centrifuges, DNA extraction, PBMC isolation, and handling human biospecimens.
• Familiarity with Windows-based operating systems and common software such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Process whole blood into components (plasma, serum, DNA).
• Isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
• Aliquot fecal samples and assist in processing human tissue samples.
• Use electronic inventory systems to track sample custody and storage.
• Communicate with Clinical Research Coordinators and investigators about samples and timelines.
• Access -80C and liquid nitrogen freezers and dry ice with PPE.
• Maintain adequate stock of laboratory supplies.
• Provide routine lab duties and data collection in support of research projects.

Job description

Department

BSD SRF - Human Tissue Resource Center: Biobank - Biofluids

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, quantitative image analysis and laser capture microdissection.

Job Summary

The Junior Research Technician provides technical support activities related to biomedical research projects by processing and managing human biospecimens. Responsibilities include processing whole blood components, isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and assisting processing of human tissue samples. Additional duties include communicating with Clinical Research Coordinators and investigators regarding sample handling and timelines, and maintaining adequate laboratory supplies.

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.

Responsibilities

• Processing of whole blood into components (plasma, serum and DNA).
• Isolation peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).
• Aliquoting of fecal samples.
• Assisting in processing of human tissue samples.
• Use of an electronic inventory management system to track sample custody and long‑term storage locations in the HTRC Freezer Farm.
• Communicating with CRCs and investigators about sample delivery, process times, and questions about samples via phone/email/pager.
• Accessing -80C and liquid nitrogen (-196C) freezers and dry ice chest with appropriate PPE to retrieve and store biospecimens.
• Maintaining adequate stock of supplies.
• 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.

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

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• College/University Degree in related field.

Experience

• Experience using centrifuges.
• Experience with DNA extraction.
• Experience with PBMC isolation.
• Experience working with human biospecimens
• Familiarity with Windows‑based operating systems and common software programs such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Web‑based applications.

Preferred Competencies

• Multitask in a fast‑paced environment.
• Attention to detail, responsible, and professional.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds.

Working Conditions

• Lab Environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

The University of Chicago uses AI‑assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non‑Exempt

Pay Range

$19.23 - $26.44

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

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.

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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