Research Technician

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

Job summary

The Pathology Department at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Technician to support projects on innate-like lymphocytes and humoral immune responses. You will perform lab experiments, manage mouse colonies, maintain materials, and assist with administrative tasks under PI supervision.

Opportunities include learning new techniques, increasing scientific responsibility, and contributing to independent projects based on interests and performance.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Experience: Prior lab experience to perform general biological experiments (this can include undergraduate research).
• Previous experience with some of the following is not a prerequisite but is a plus: Flow cytometry, Cell culture, Mouse handling experience, Basics of molecular cloning, Basic bioinformatical skills.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory experiments related to innate like lymphocytes, humoral immune responses, and other areas of ongoing laboratory research.
• Conducts experimental procedures, collects and analyzes data, maintains accurate research records, and assists with interpreting experimental results.
• Supports routine laboratory operations, including preparing materials, maintaining laboratory supplies and inventory, and coordinating supply orders.
• Maintains mouse colonies and assists with animal related research activities in accordance with established laboratory protocols and institutional requirements.
• Performs general biological and molecular laboratory techniques, which may include flow cytometry, cell culture, molecular cloning, and related experimental methods.
• Assists with research documentation, literature reviews, data organization, and other administrative activities supporting laboratory research.
• Participates in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and discussions regarding research findings and experimental planning.
• Collaborates with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory personnel on the development and execution of research projects.
• 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.

Skills

Laboratory techniques

Data analysis

Documentation

Team collaboration

Mouse handling

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Flow cytometry

Cell culture

Molecular cloning

Mouse handling

Bioinformatics basics

Job description

About The Department

The Pathology Department at the University of Chicago is an interdisciplinary department that studies the pathogenesis of disease across different disease types. Faculty include basic scientists, clinicians, and translational researchers.

Department

BSD PAT - Chervonsky Lab

Job Summary

The Research Technician will assist Drs. Kreslavsky and Chervonsky in projects related to the biology of innate-like lymphocytes (see You et al, Nat Immunol, 2024 (PMID: 38992254); Ye et al, Science, 2026 (PMID: 42462026)) and regulation of humoral immune responses (Rauschmeier et al, J Exp Med. 2022 (PMID: 34919144); Glaros et al, Immunity, 2021 (PMID: 34525339)). The role performs laboratory experiments, supports routine laboratory operations, maintains research materials and mouse colonies, and assists with research related administrative activities. The Research Technician also participates in laboratory meetings and journal clubs and may contribute to the development and execution of research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator. Depending on the candidate's interests, aptitude, and performance, there will be opportunities to learn new experimental techniques, take on increasing scientific responsibility, and contribute substantially to the development and execution of reasonably independent research projects.

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.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory experiments related to innate like lymphocytes, humoral immune responses, and other areas of ongoing laboratory research.
• Conducts experimental procedures, collects and analyzes data, maintains accurate research records, and assists with interpreting experimental results.
• Supports routine laboratory operations, including preparing materials, maintaining laboratory supplies and inventory, and coordinating supply orders.
• Maintains mouse colonies and assists with animal related research activities in accordance with established laboratory protocols and institutional requirements.
• Performs general biological and molecular laboratory techniques, which may include flow cytometry, cell culture, molecular cloning, and related experimental methods.
• Assists with research documentation, literature reviews, data organization, and other administrative activities supporting laboratory research.
• Participates in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, and discussions regarding research findings and experimental planning.
• Collaborates with the Principal Investigator and other laboratory personnel on the development and execution of research projects.
• 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.

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

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Experience

• Prior lab experience to perform general biological experiments (this can include undergraduate research).
• Previous experience with some of the following is not a prerequisite but is a plus: Flow cytometry, Cell culture, Mouse handling experience, Basics of molecular cloning, Basic bioinformatical skills.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of basic laboratory and research methods.
• Ability to follow established research protocols and laboratory procedures accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete research records.
• Ability to analyze and interpret basic experimental data.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a research team.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a laboratory environment.
• Willingness and ability to learn new laboratory techniques and research methods.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment involving biological materials, chemicals, and research equipment.
• Regular interaction with and handling of laboratory mice.
• Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to established laboratory safety protocols.
• May require occasional work outside standard business hours based on experimental or animal care needs.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter ( 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

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00

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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