Research Specialist

uchicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's PSD Chemistry: Moellering Group in Chicago, IL is seeking a Research Specialist experienced with in vivo rodent models. The role emphasizes collaboration, adherence to standard protocols, data collection, and troubleshooting to advance cancer-focused research.

The position supports drafting presentations, reports, and manuscripts from findings, while ensuring compliance with institutional, state, and federal regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related field.
• Experience with animal studies and cancer biology preferred.
• Ability to maintain daily experimental records and tracking.

Responsibilities

• Performs in vivo experiments with mouse models and related procedures.
• Maintains data and specimens; conducts literature reviews.
• Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and documents.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments under PI direction.
• Ensures compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies.

Skills

Rodent handling

Cancer biology basics

Data recording

Communication skills

Troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences

College degree in related field

Job description

Department

PSD Chemistry: Moellering Group

About the Department

The Moellering Research group research is at the interface of Chemistry and Biology, with an eye towards understanding and intervening in human disease. We utilize techniques in synthetic chemistry, cell biology, and mass spectrometry to develop novel platforms, tools, and technologies to study the dynamic interactions and complexity of the proteome and manipulate protein targets and their function. Ultimately our work helps to identify novel biological mechanisms underlying diseases, such as cancer, and to subsequently develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to impact these disorders.

Job Summary

The Moellering lab is seeking a Research Specialist who is well-versed in handling and performing research with in vivo rodent models. This role is ideal for those who have a demonstrated history in collaborative research, effective communication, the ability to follow standard protocols, and an aptitude for troubleshooting. The ideal candidate should value continuous learning, building networks, and upholding the university's academic excellence to make meaningful contributions to advanced research pursuits. This position will perform routine assignments related to scientific research projects, ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, and analyze possible solutions using standard procedures. The Research Specialist will assist in drafting presentations, articles, reports, and manuscripts based on research findings in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Performs in vivo experiments; including xenograft models, compound administration (IP IV, and SC), daily health monitoring, imaging, and tissue collection.
• Conduct experiments and maintain data of research findings.
• Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Assists with building and standardizing protocols, as needed.
• Builds competence in research techniques or methods, related to cancer models.
• Is up to date on background scientific literature regarding their projects.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• 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

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Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences or related field.

Experience

• Experience with animal studies (mouse), including intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous administration protocols. Experience establishing tumor xenografts is a plus.
• Experience with techniques in biochemistry, cell and cancer biology.

Technical Knowledge or Skills

• Rodent handling and husbandry (mouse).
• Basic understanding of cancer biology.
• Systematic maintenance of daily experimental records and tracking of individual mice, tissue specimens and compounds.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to follow guidelines for the responsible conduct of research with animals, as outlined by the lab’s Animal Care and Use Protocol, and the University’s IACUC.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge of research techniques or methods relevant to the lab (e.g., mouse models of cancer, xenograft models, proper compound handling, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented, able to take instructions and execute assignments.
• Able to work independently, seeking clarification and guidance where needed.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and an aptitude for continuous learning; this position offers the opportunity to strengthen laboratory and research skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to adapt.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to ask questions and provide updates on work progress clearly and with sufficient technical detail.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (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

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

$55,000.00 - $65,000.00

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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