Lab Assistant

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago Lab Assistant in Radiation and Cellular Oncology provides basic technical and administrative support for a biomedical imaging and radiation oncology laboratory. The role focuses on day‑to‑day laboratory operations under faculty or research staff direction.

The position involves organizing data, preparing presentations, coordinating meetings, and ensuring compliance with institutional procedures. Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum vocational training or equivalent experience in related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities and attention to detail.
• Experience with organizational tasks in a laboratory or academic environment is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Organizes laboratory files and materials and maintains records.
• Coordinates routine lab meetings and prepares materials.
• Maintains shared folders and supports data organization and transfer.
• Tracks equipment, supplies, and inventory records.
• Supports IRB compliance onboarding and required training.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Independent work

Written communication

Verbal communication

Analytical skills

Education

Vocational training or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Job description

DepartmentBSD RAO - Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology

About the Department

The University of Chicago Department of Radiation and Cellular Oncology stands out as a nationally recognized academic program that integrates cutting‑edge clinical care, translational research, and robust education. The department is known for pioneering advances in radiation therapy and maintaining strong collaborations across multidisciplinary cancer teams, enabling highly personalized, evidence‑based treatment approaches. With access to advanced technologies such as TrueBeam and early adoption of novel techniques, it offers a clinically sophisticated environment that values innovation and continuous improvement. UChicago Medicine also emphasizes academic growth through well‑structured residency and research programs, providing meaningful opportunities for teaching, clinical trials, and scientific discovery. For applicants, it represents a high‑acuity, research‑driven setting with strong institutional reputation and opportunities to contribute to both patient care excellence and the future of oncology.

Job Summary

The job provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. The Lab Assistant will provide routine operational and organizational support for a biomedical imaging and radiation oncology laboratory. The primary responsibilities will focus on day‑to‑day laboratory support.

Responsibilities

• Assists with organizing laboratory files and materials, maintaining laboratory records and documentation.
• Coordinates routine lab meetings and schedules, and prepares meeting materials.
• Maintains shared folders Assists with routine data organization, file formatting, data transfer, and de‑identification procedures according to established laboratory protocols and under the direct supervision of faculty or research staff.
• Maintains equipment and supply records and assists with purchasing and inventory tracking.
• Coordinates laboratory access, onboarding, and required training to support IRB compliance and processing.
• Organizes shared computational resources and documentation, and provides other routine operational support as needed.
• 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.
• 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: A bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Experience: Familiarity with biomedical, statistical, or academic laboratory environments is helpful but not required.
• Experience: Following SOPs and radiation safety procedures.
• Experience: With basic laboratory techniques, such as handling samples, specimens, and images.
• Preferred Competencies: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills.
• Requires discretion and confidentiality when working on sensitive information.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover letter (preferred)

Work Conditions

• A high‑tech laboratory environment with strict safety controls and regular daytime hours.
• Office‑based environment with regular use of computers and standard office equipment.
• Frequent interactions with faculty, students, and staff. May require occasional attendance at meetings, events, and other activities.
• Work is performed independently and collaboratively.
• Workload may fluctuate during periods of high operational activities.

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.

Drug Test Required

No. Health Screen Required. No 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.

Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

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.