Research, Technician

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Biological Sciences Division hosts the University Fossil Lab, seeking a Research Technician to support paleontological and archaeological projects on-site. Responsibilities include fossil preparation, conservation, field expedition coordination, and exhibit logistics for traveling displays; experience with digital photogrammetry and specimen photography is valued.

The role emphasizes hands-on lab work, collaboration with students and staff, and contributing to

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in sciences or arts.
• 2–5 years of related work experience.
• Fossil preparation and conservation experience.

Responsibilities

• Fossil preparation of paleontological and archaeological material.
• Conservation and stabilization of specimens for research.
• Field coordinator and camp manager for expeditions.
• Logistical planning for field expeditions.
• Oversee exhibit installation/de-installation logistics for traveling shows.
• Molding and casting of fossils for research and displays.
• Photography of specimens for research/publication.
• Assist with collections, loans, and record keeping.
• Provide technical/administrative support for a research project.

Skills

Fossil preparation

Conservation

Exhibit management

Logistics planning

Field expedition coordination

Photography

Education

Bachelor degree or higher in sciences or arts

Tools

Photogrammetry tools

Molding & casting

Job description

About The Department

BSD OBA - Sereno Lab

Through the disciplines of Comparative Biomechanics, Evolution and Developmental Biology, Behavioral Neurobiology, and Vertebrate Paleontology, our mission is to explore animal form and function and how they change over the short time frame of an individual’s life history and long time frame of the history of animal life.

Research Technician position at the University Fossil Lab will perform the core functions of the Fossil Lab, preparing, preserving and restoring paleontological and archaeological specimens and artifacts and molding and casting of specimens for University of Chicago research collections. The Research Technician will also use digital tools to photogrammatize specimens for digital reconstruction and photograph specimens and artifacts for research purposes and other research related tasks as needed. This position also assists with the logistics and planning for field expedition operations and University of Chicago traveling exhibitions; and educational outreach programs scheduled at the Fossil Lab.

Job Summary

The job provides technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

• Fossil preparation of paleontological and archeological material.
• Conservation and stabilization of specimens for research.
• Field coordinator and camp manager for paleontological and archeological expeditions.
• Logistical planning for field expeditions.
• Oversee the logistics for installation and de-installation of exhibits: Dinosaurs of the Sahara, SuperCroc, and Spinosaurus, traveling both domestically and internationally.
• Sample removals for data collection.
• Molding and casting of fossils for research, trade and exhibit displays.
• Paint and mount casts for research, trade and exhibits.
• Traditionally and digitally sculpted flesh reconstructions for research, publication and exhibit displays.
• Photographer of specimens for research and publication.
• Assists with fossil lab collections, loans and record keeping.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Assists with the installation, 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 Qualifications: 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor degree or higher in sciences or arts.
• Fossil preparation experience in a working laboratory.
• Casting and molding.
• Exhibit management and logistics.
• Managing field expedition logistics and camp management.
• Fossil preparation and conservation methods.

Working Conditions

• Able to work on-site at the Fossil Lab.
• Able to lift minimum 25 pounds.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (optional)
• Contact Information of at least two references (required)

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

30

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$21.63 - $28.85

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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