Research Assistant

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Zhou Lab in the Department of Pediatrics is seeking a research assistant to support biology-focused work under contract funding. This at-will position is contingent upon grant funds and satisfactory performance.

Responsibilities include mouse colony maintenance, PCR genotyping, histology, immunostaining, data recording, and collaboration with senior researchers on projects. A related bachelor-level degree is required.

Qualifications

• Education: college/university degree in a related field.
• Work experience: < 2 years in a related job discipline.
• Preferred: degree in biomedical sciences; histology and immunostaining experience.

Responsibilities

• Maintain mouse colony and perform PCR genotyping.
• Conduct histology and immunostaining experiments.
• Record data, analyze results, and write lab reports.
• Collaborate with senior researchers on assigned projects.
• Maintain awareness of regulatory policies and research methods.

Skills

Mouse work

Histology

Immunostaining

Data recording & analysis

Literature reviews

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field

Job description

DepartmentBSD PED - Pediatric Genetics and Genomics

About the DepartmentThe Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago is a dynamic and stimulating place to work. We strive for the highest level of complex care for children from diagnosis and treatment; provide outstanding education and training for students, postgraduate scholars, and physicians; and nurture the research of Department scholars who seek to elucidate the causes of pediatric disease and identify promising new therapies. Our mission is to improve the health of every child entrusted to us, in an inclusive environment that is committed to family-centered care, clinical excellence, impactful scholarship, effective disease prevention, and advocacy for the appropriate care of every child. We are especially committed to the children on the South Side of Chicago and to altering the inequities in healthcare. The Department of Pediatrics has approximately 185 physicians, physician-scientists, and scientists in 15 sections that cover the range of pediatric care. Our education program serves the students of the College, the Pritzker School of Medicine (PSOM), 70 categorical pediatric residents, 6 child neurology residents, 58 fellows, and numerous graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. The Department has a staff of 220 advanced practice providers, administrators, research administrators, clinical research associates, and laboratory staff. The Department has an expanding portfolio of Federal, foundational, and Philanthropic awards, and is committed to doubling its research base in the next three years.

Job Summary

The Zhou Lab in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago is seeking a self-motivated and team-orientated individual interested in biology sciences to work as a research assistant to gain experience for future careers in the biomedical area. This at-will position is wholly 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

• Mouse colony maintenance and PCR genotyping.
• Perform routine assignments related to research projects including histology and immunostaining experiments.
• Interdependently conducts data recording, analysis, and writes lab reports.
• Works directly with senior researchers on assigned projects.
• Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• 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.

Work Experience

• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: A college or university degree in a related field of biomedical sciences.
• Experience: Experience in histology and immunostaining.

Preferred Competencies

• Basic knowledge and skills in mouse work.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory and office setting.

Application Documents

Resume (required) Cover letter describing previous research experience and career goals (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

Research Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

Yes

No Health Screen Required

NoHealth Screen RequiredYes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo

Pay Rate Type

Salary

ExemptPay Range$50,000.00 - $70,000.00

Benefits EligibleYes

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.

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.