Research Professional, Sr. Analyst

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's London Lab seeks a Research Professional, Sr. Analyst to perform routine assignments related to scientific research projects, ensuring compliance and drafting presentations on findings.

The role focuses on testing epigenomic regulation and neural circuitry, with data-driven analysis, mentorship of staff, and active collaboration across disciplines.

Qualifications

• Education: college or university degree in related field.
• Work Experience: < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: ---

Responsibilities

• Lead projects testing neural mechanisms using behavior and molecular genomic data as readouts.
• Utilize molecular, epigenomic, genomic, in vivo and behavioral methods.
• Collect data and perform analysis.
• Contribute to scientific writing and publications.
• Train new laboratory personnel.
• Maintain technical and administrative support for neuroscience research.
• Install and run experiments; interact with students and staff under PI supervision.
• Work flexible hours to meet project timelines.

Skills

Neuroscience

Molecular biology

Genomics

Epigenomics

Next-generation sequencing

Behavioral analysis

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in neuroscience

Postdoctoral training

Bachelor's degree in related field

Tools

Microscopy

Epigenomic assays

Genomics workflows

Job description

About the Department

Department SSD Institute for Mind and Biology: Staff and Temporary Employees About the Department The Institute for Mind and Biology is comprised of twelve faculty Members from the Department of Comparative Human Development and Psychology. In addition to their department appointments, Members contribute significantly to the University's interdisciplinary approach to Neuroscience and Committees on Computational Neuroscience, Evolutionary Biology, Integrative Neuroscience, and Neurobiology. Members also collaborate with other faculty at UChicago in the Biological Sciences Division and Division of the Social Sciences as well as colleagues from around the globe. The London Lab investigates how the brain develops, with special focus on how early experience can alter neural function and behavior. The London Lab applies molecular and genomic tools in combination with behavioral manipulations to uncover biological processes that promote and limit the ability to learn across development. The lab uses the zebra finch songbird as the model system because there are life-long behavioral effects of developmental experience, but only when that experience occurs during specific phases. Despite outward differences, zebra finches have strong genomic, molecular, neural, developmental, social, and behavioral parallels with humans. As such, the lab’s research strategy discoveres mechanisms that may also be involved in human speech acquisition and other developmentally learned behaviors.

Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. The job facilitates and promotes a research project or contributes to the scientific direction of a research resource. Receives a moderate level of guidance and direction. 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. The London Lab is seeking an individual to fill the position of Research Professional, Sr. Analyst. The Sr. Analyst performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. They ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. They analyze possible solutions using standard procedures. They will rigorously test the connections between epigenomic regulation of molecular processes, learning, and behavioral outcomes of neural circuit function.

Responsibilities

• Lead projects that test neural mechanisms that promote and limit the ability to learn from juvenile experience, using behavior and molecular genomic data as functional readouts.
• Experiments will utilize a suite of molecular, epigenomic, genomic, in vivo, and behavioral methods, and consider a variety of processes.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis.
• Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques.
• Manage complex data sets for research.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including preparation of reports, manuscripts, protocols and grants.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project in a neuroscience laboratory environment performing molecular and small animal laboratory techniques, research and analysis.
• 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.

Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

Education: PhD in neuroscience, molecular biology, or related disciplines.

Experience: Postdoctoral training in neuroscience, molecular biology, or related disciplines.

At least four years’ experience in the application of molecular biology, genomics and/or epigenomics, and next-generation sequencing methods to answer neuroscientific questions.

Expertise in behavioral analysis, microscopy, genomics, anatomical methods, and/or physiology is a plus.

Expertise with non-rodent systems in neuroethologically-relevant research questions.

Preferred Competencies

Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Ability to work independently on own projects and as part of a team.

Familiarity with grant preparation.

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to supervise and train others.

Ability to critically evaluate data to optimize procedures and write papers.

Working Conditions

The work will take place in a combination of wet lab, animal lab, and dry/computer lab spaces.

Weekend or evening hours may be required to complete project timelines.

Application Documents

Resume (required)

Cover letter (required)

References (required)

Job Family

Research Role Impact Individual Contributor Scheduled Weekly Hours 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $52,020.00 - $67,320.00

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.

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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University Overview

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.