Research Specialist - UIC OVCR - Cardiovascular Research Core

University of Illinois Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Tuition waivers

Job summary

The University of Illinois Chicago seeks a Research Specialist for the Cardiovascular Research Core to design, execute, and optimize preclinical studies in large animal and small animal models.

You will work with faculty, Core staff, and trainees to perform swine ARDS and heart failure experiments, collect data, and help develop new imaging and surgical methods.

This role emphasizes rigorous documentation, protocol maintenance, and collaboration to advance translational cardiovascular research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field required.
• Minimum 3 years related research experience.
• Knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
• Proficient in specific lab research techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assist in execution of preclinical disease models including swine ARDS and heart failure.
• Perform surgical assistance, monitoring, sample collection, and post-procedure care.
• Support imaging studies and data analysis in collaboration with Core leadership.
• Maintain detailed experimental records and regulatory documentation.
• Collaborate with investigators and Core staff to refine methods.

Skills

Lab techniques

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biology or related field

Master's degree or PhD

Tools

Physiological monitoring systems

Echocardiography

Preclinical imaging systems

Surgical equipment

Job description

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR) is looking to fill the role of Research Specialist in the Research Resources Center's Cardiovascular Research Core. The Cardiovascular Research Core (CVRC) supports multidisciplinary translational research across cardiovascular, pulmonary, and critical care disciplines. The Core provides comprehensive services in preclinical imaging and advanced animal disease modeling, including small and large animal platforms.

The Research Specialist will contribute to the design, execution, and optimization of preclinical research projects within the Cardiovascular Research Core (CVRC). The Core provides two major service platforms: 1) Preclinical Imaging (small and large animal); 2) Preclinical Disease Models (rodent and swine models of cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases).

This position will primarily support large animal (swine) models, including swine ARDS and swine heart failure studies, while also contributing to small animal disease models and imaging workflows as needed. The successful candidate will work collaboratively with faculty investigators, Core staff, and trainees to execute complex experimental procedures, collect and analyze data, and help refine and develop novel experimental techniques.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

Salary: The budgeted salary range for the position is $45,000 - $65,000. The final salary offered will be determined by a thorough assessment of available market data, internal salary equity, candidate experience and qualifications, and budget constraints.

Job Responsibilities

• 1. Research & Technical Execution
  • Assist in the execution of preclinical disease models, including:
    • Swine ARDS models
    • Swine myocardial infarction / heart failure models
    • Rodent cardiovascular and pulmonary models as needed
  • Perform surgical assistance, physiological monitoring, sample collection, and post-procedure care under supervision.
  • Support imaging studies (e.g., echocardiography, hemodynamics, functional assessment) as trained.
  • Collect, organize, and maintain detailed experimental records and datasets.
  • Analyze and interpret experimental results in collaboration with Core leadership.
  • Replicate, refine, and optimize research techniques to improve reproducibility and efficiency.
  • Assist in the development and refinement of new methodologies and experimental protocols under guidance.
• 2. Protocol & Documentation
  • Contribute to preparation and revision of IACUC protocols and amendments.
  • Draft and update detailed experimental SOPs and protocols.
  • Maintain accurate regulatory documentation and compliance records.
  • Ensure adherence to institutional animal care and biosafety policies.
• 3. Communication & Collaboration
  • Communicate effectively with investigators, collaborators, and Core personnel.
  • Prepare clear, well-organized written summaries of experimental results for reports, grants, manuscripts, and internal documentation.
  • Participate in project meetings and provide clear updates on progress.
  • Work collaboratively in a team-oriented Core environment.
  • Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to evolving project priorities and timelines.
• 4. Training & Professional Development
  • Demonstrate eagerness to learn new techniques in imaging and large animal surgery.
  • Develop technical proficiency under supervision of senior staff.
  • Assist in training students and visiting researchers when appropriate.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of Core operations.
  • Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Physiology, Animal Science, or a related health/science field required.
• A minimum of 3 years related research experience.
• Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.
• Proficient in specific lab research techniques.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of laboratory research experience preferred (academic or industry setting).
• Master's degree or PhD.
• Experience with animal research is highly desirable; candidates with strong motivation and willingness to learn will also be considered.
• Prior experience with rodent or large animal models.
• Experience assisting with surgical procedures.
• Familiarity with physiological monitoring systems.
• Experience with echocardiography or preclinical imaging systems.
• Experience in translational cardiovascular or pulmonary research.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a laboratory and surgical research environment involving large animals (swine).
• Ability to stand for extended periods during procedures.
• Ability to lift and maneuver equipment and assist in animal positioning (with appropriate training).
• Willingness to participate in early morning or extended experimental sessions when required for large animal studies.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Strong foundational understanding of biological research principles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work under multiple deadlines and manage concurrent projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Professional demeanor and ability to interact constructively with diverse collaborators.
• Flexible and adaptable in a fast‑paced research setting.
• Demonstrated initiative and eagerness to learn and develop new techniques.
• Commitment to high-quality, reproducible research.