Research Technician

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 33,117 - 46,356; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

A leading research institution in Chicago seeks a research assistant for the Luca Lab in the Department of Human Genetics. The role involves assisting with research projects focused on human functional genomics and host-microbiome interactions. Candidates should have a degree in biology or a related field and familiarity with lab techniques like PCR and Next-Generation Sequencing. The position offers an hourly pay rate of $24.04 to $33.65 and includes benefits eligibility.

Qualifications

• Minimum: College or university degree in a related field.
• Minimum: Knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Familiarity with techniques: PCR, Quantitative RT-PCR, DNA/RNA purification, and cloning.

Responsibilities

• Assist with carrying out research using techniques: Next-Generation Sequencing, PCR, and other genomic assays.
• Perform general lab duties including ordering supplies.
• Attend lab meetings and read current journal articles.

Skills

PCR

Quantitative RT-PCR

DNA/RNA purification

Cloning

Cell and tissue culture

Next-Generation Sequencing

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology or related field

Job description

About The Department

The central intellectual theme of our department is to understand the roles of genetics and epigenetics in patterning phenotypic variation in natural populations and in human evolution, health, and disease.

Department

BSD HGD - Luca Lab

Job Summary

As a member of the Luca Lab in the Department of Human Genetics, the candidate is expected to work on assigned projects as well as to carry out research activities in collaboration with other personnel in the lab, performing human functional genomics and genetics, and host‑microbiome interaction research.

Responsibilities

• Assist with carrying out research using techniques: Next‑Generation Sequencing, PCR, Quantitative RT‑PCR, DNA/RNA purification, cloning, reporter gene assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, ATAC‑seq, mammalian cell and tissue culture (cell lines and primary cells/tissues), isolation of primary cells from human tissue, single‑cell genomic assays.
• Assist with general lab duties including ordering supplies and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Attend lab meetings and read current journal articles pertaining to relevant projects.
• Performs other related work as needed.
• 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.

Education

Minimum: College or university degree in a related field. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree or higher in biology or related field.

Experience

• Minimum: Knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Familiarity with techniques (or ability to rapidly learn): PCR, Quantitative RT‑PCR, DNA/RNA purification, cloning, reporter gene assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, mammalian cell and tissue culture, single‑cell and bulk genomic assays.
• Experience with computers.
• Familiarity with Next Generation Sequencing protocols.
• Familiarity with isolation of primary cells from tissue is a plus.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent organizational and communication skills and desire to maintain good relations with co‑workers.

Working Conditions

• Research Lab.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the documents must be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Other Details

Job Family: Research

Role Impact: Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Drug Test Required: No

Health Screen Required: No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required: No

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Pay Range: $24.04 - $33.65. 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.

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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