Senior Research Technician

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Research Technician to join a cutting-edge lab focused on personalized medicine. This exciting role involves applying your expertise in Molecular Biology and Small Animal Husbandry to enhance research efforts in Metabolism, RNA biology, and Aging. You will supervise laboratory operations, optimize protocols, and contribute to groundbreaking studies that may lead to significant advancements in medical science. With a clear pathway for career growth, this position offers the opportunity to develop into a Lab Manager role, making it a perfect fit for those eager to make a meaningful impact in the field of genetic medicine.

Benefits

Health benefits

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• 2-5 years of experience in a related job discipline.
• Expertise in small animal husbandry and surgery is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise mouse colony organization and breeding.
• Optimize and execute protocols for genotyping.
• Collect mouse tissues and perform RNA/protein isolations.

Skills

Molecular Biology

Small Animal Husbandry

RNA Biology

Metabolism

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biomedical research

College or university degree in related field

Tools

IACUC protocols

Western Blotting

qPCR

Immunofluorescence staining

Cell culture

Job description

Department

BSD MED - Genetic Medicine

About the Department

The Section of Genetic Medicine continues to shape the future of personalized medicine with successful research programs focused on the quantitative genetic and genomic science. The Section provides extremely valuable collaborations with investigators in the Department of Medicine who are seeking to develop new and more powerful ways to identify genetic risk factors for common, complex disorders with almost immediate clinical application.

Job Summary

The De Jesus Lab at the University of Chicago is seeking an experienced Senior Research Technician who will apply practical knowledge and experience in Molecular Biology and Small Animal Husbandry to all day-to-day operational activities of the laboratory. The Senior Research Technician will work closely with the De Jesus Lab to establish laboratory procedures in Metabolism, RNA biology, and Aging, and to establish a cutting-edge research program within the University of Chicago Department of Medicine.

This position offers a clear pathway for career growth; successful performance in this role may lead to promotion to a Lab Manager position with expanded responsibilities in research coordination and laboratory administration.

Responsibilities

• Supervise mouse colony organization and breeding.

• Independently optimize and execute protocols for genotyping.

• Write and manage IACUC protocols.

• Collect mouse tissues.

• Perform RNA and protein isolations.

• Conduct Western Blotting (WB) and qPCR experiments.

• Perform immunofluorescence staining.

• Conduct cell culture experiments.

• Maintain laboratory supply inventory, anticipate needs, place orders, and verify receipt of supplies.

• Ensure laboratory equipment performs optimally by establishing quality standards, arranging for service, and repairs.

• Assist with laboratory budget administration, ensuring appropriate use of funds from multiple sources, including federally awarded funds, foundation grants, and donation accounts.

• Develop and maintain databases for pertinent lab data and resources.

• Attend seminars and present findings at lab meetings.

• Support data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conduct literature reviews and help write reports and manuscripts. Ensure project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• Take responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.

• Perform other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical research, such as biology, biochemistry, or molecular genetics.

Experience:

• Experience in the study of metabolic disease and aging in small animals (e.g., diabetes, caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, islet biology, liver biology).

• Expertise in small animal husbandry and surgery.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to train others effectively.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Meticulous attention to detail.

• Excellent communication skills to lead and direct others.

• Knowledge of research laboratory safety policies, regulations, and practices.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

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

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$60,000.00 - $80,000.00

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.

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.