Research Technician

Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Weinmann lab at the University of Chicago is hiring a Research Technician to support projects focused on the regulation of mammalian genomes. You will contribute to bioinformatics analyses, data processing, and translating findings across species to human health.

Key activities include developing protocols, training lab members, maintaining data and samples, and preparing reports and manuscripts. A Bachelor's degree and strong English communication are valued.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirement: a college or university degree in a related field.
• Minimum experience: less than 2 years in a related discipline.
• Preferred: Bachelor's degree; experience with bioinformatics and processing genomics datasets.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing and implementing bioinformatics protocols and tools.
• Understand and articulate strengths and weaknesses of genomics data processing methods to scientists of varying skill levels.
• Perform research characterizing evolutionary structural variation.
• Perform research associated with genome regulation.
• Interact with students and other laboratory staff and train them under guidance of principal investigator.
• Maintain technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyze and maintain data and/or specimens. Conduct literature reviews. Assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genomics data analysis

RNA-seq

ATAC-seq

ChIP-seq

English communication

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field

Tools

Python

R

High-performance computing (HPC)

Shiny app development

Job description

Department, BSD MED - Rheumatology - Weinmann Research Staff

About the Department

Section of Rheumatology at University of Chicago Medicine is a dynamic and growing enterprise of faculty, staff, and fellows who are committed to providing outstanding state-of-the-art patient care, understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and training the next generation of physicians and scientists. Through our disease-focused clinics we offer an inter-disciplinarily approach to patient care that provides access to the most current therapies and to the resources of the University. In parallel with our clinical activities, we have well-developed basic science research programs where our primary focus is on understanding the development and regulation of lymphocytes which is fundamental to the pathogenesis of most autoimmune diseases. These are exciting times in Rheumatology. Remarkable advances in our knowledge of basic immunology are beginning to translate into new and better treatments for those suffering from autoimmune and metabolic diseases. The Section is well poised to both take advantage and contribute to these revolutions in the understanding and treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Job Summary

The Weinmann lab is looking to hire a Research Technician to work on research projects related to the regulation of mammalian genomes. Areas of emphasis include the role for metabolites in immune cell differentiation and defining how evolutionary structural variation impacts gene regulation. The job encourages creative research questions, innovative informatics analyses and implementing novel approaches to better translate mechanisms between model organisms and human health.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing and implementing bioinformatics protocols and tools.
• Understand and articulate strengths and weaknesses of genomics data processing methods to scientists of varying skill levels.
• Perform research characterizing evolutionary structural variation.
• Perform research associated with genome regulation.
• Interact with students and other laboratory staff and train them under guidance of principal investigator.
• Maintain technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyze and maintain data and/or specimens. Conduct literature reviews. Assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Perform other related work as needed.

Education and Minimum Qualifications

Minimum requirement: a college or university degree in a related field.

Work Experience

Minimum requirement: knowledge and skills developed through less than 2 years of work experience in a related discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience with bioinformatics and processing genomics datasets including RNA‑seq, ATAC‑seq and ChIP‑seq.
• Experience with Python, R, and using a high‑performance computing cluster for data analysis.
• Experience in developing and coding novel tools.
• Experience in developing Shiny apps and dashboards.
• Understanding of principles of evolutionary genomics/genetics and ability to apply this knowledge to investigation of gene regulation mechanisms.
• Organized, task-oriented, good record keeper.
• Basic knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for molecular biology and animal research.
• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.

Benefits Eligible

Eligible for the University of Chicago benefit programs, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Detailed information in the Benefits Guidebook.

Pay

Salary range: $50,000.00 – $70,000.00.

Equal Opportunity Employer 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.