Research, Technical Assistant

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 26,491 - 36,423; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago invites applications for a Research Technical Assistant in the Chen Lab (BSD MIC). The role provides basic technical support for ongoing molecular biology and cell biology projects, and assists in drafting presentations of findings.

Responsibilities include lab organization, reagent prep, assay development, cell line culture, molecular cloning, protein expression, and imaging work under BSL-2 conditions. Requires strong organization and ability to work with supervision.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications include vocational training or equivalent experience in related field.
• < 2 years of related work experience.
• Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Chemical Science preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory organization, ordering and record-keeping.
• Assists in preparation of common reagents.
• Develops and performs assays.
• Establishes and cultures mammalian cell lines.
• Performs molecular cloning and PCR.
• Performs expression and purification of proteins.
• Performs cell biology imaging experiments including fluorescence and EM.
• Works under Biosafety Level 2 conditions and in animal facilities.
• Collaborates with lab members and supports data recovery and reporting.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Biological or Chemical Science

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Department

BSD MIC - Chen Lab

About the Department

The Jueqi Chen Research Lab, within the Department of Microbiology, focuses on the molecular mechanisms and functionalities of innate immunity and inflammation, with diverse approaches in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and immunology. 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.

Job Summary

The Research Technical Assistant provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. This position complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. In addition, the Research Technical Assistant assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory organization, ordering and record-keeping.
• Assists in preparation of common reagents.
• Develops and performs assays.
• Establishes and cultures mammalian cell lines.
• Performs molecular cloning and PCR.
• Performs expression and purification of proteins.
• Performs cell biology imaging experiments (fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy).
• Performs work in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions and animal facilities.
• Collaborates and communicates with other lab members.
• 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.
• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological or Chemical Science.

Experience:

• Working experience in one of the following fields: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, or microbiology.
• Knowledge of computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

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.

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 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.