Junior Research Technician

The University Of Chicago; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University Of Chicago is seeking a Junior Research Technician to support biomedical research projects by processing and managing human biospecimens. You will handle whole blood components, isolate PBMCs, and assist tissue sample processing, coordinating with investigators to meet sample handling timelines.

The role requires following regulatory policies, maintaining supplies, and documenting data. This is a grant-funded, at-will position with 40-hour weeks and an hourly pay range described

Qualifications

• Education: vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field.
• Work Experience: < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

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

Vocational training / apprenticeship

No bachelor’s degree required

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Web-based applications

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.

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: College/University Degree in related field.
• Experience: Experience using centrifuges.
• Experience: Experience with DNA extraction.
• Experience: Experience with PBMC isolation.
• Experience: 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.

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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The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government.