Senior Research Technician

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

Job summary

The University of Chicago's Gastroenterology lab is seeking a Senior Research Technician with a strong microbiology background to design and perform experiments focused on mouse gut microbiome metabolism and related analyses.

The role involves isolating microbial strains, preparing samples for genetic analyses, and managing mouse husbandry and organoid lines while collaborating with national and international labs to advance understanding of digestive diseases.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2–5 years of related lab experience.
• Strong background in microbiology and mouse models.
• Experience with next-generation sequencing and omics data.
• Excellent documentation and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Designs and executes cellular and mouse experiments.
• Maintains mouse colonies and organoid lines.
• Prepares microbial samples for sequencing and metabolomics.
• Liaises with researchers and staff; communicates progress.
• Ensures lab safety and compliant documentation.

Skills

Microbiology

Mouse husbandry

Genomics

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in biology or related field

Master’s degree in biology or related field

Tools

Next-generation sequencing

Job description

Department

BSD MED - Gastroenterology - Cheng Research Staff

About The Department

The Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology at The University of Chicago is consistently ranked among the best specialty nationally by U.S News and World Report. With nearly 30 specialists on staff, our program plays a leading role in the understanding of digestive diseases and in developing innovative and successful treatments for patients. Since forming the nation’s first full-time department of gastroenterology in 1927, our physicians have continually improved treatments for digestive tract and related disorders by combining medical research, education, and patient care at the highest level.

Job Summary

The Section of Gastroenterology is looking for a Senior Research Technician with a strong background in microbiology to join our interdisciplinary team to help design and perform research experiments.

The lab of Dr. Eugene Chang is seeking a highly motivated senior research technician to characterize mouse gut microbiome metabolism, to isolate mouse gut microbial strains from gut communities, to prepare gut microbial communities for experimentation, to prepare samples for genetic analyses (bulk and single cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, and spatial metabolomics) on mouse gut microbiota as well as mouse tissues, to conduct mouse husbandry and maintain mouse colonies, to maintain mouse and/or human organoid lines, and to use high-resolution microscopy. These activities will facilitate our laboratory goals of understanding how our gut microbiomes modulate disease. The primary duties will be to design and execute cellular and mouse experiments, and some data analysis. The Technician will also be responsible for preparing microbial samples for next generation metagenomic and 16S sequencing and metabolomics. Our ideal Technician will have exceptional work ethic and organizational skills, comfortable with autonomy, and stay up to date on recent advances in microbiota research.

This position offers training in aerobic and anaerobic microbiology, host- and microbial-specific techniques, next-generation sequencing analysis, and the opportunity to participate in extensive academic collaborations with national and international labs. You will be joining an inclusive and supportive group whose mission is to advance both the science and team!

Responsibilities

• Prepares microbial cultures and microbial communities for transplantation.
• Works with SPF and germ-free mice.
• Designs, prepares and sets up mouse experiments.
• Harvests tissue and microbial samples from mice.
• Analyzes experimental data, including bulk and single cell genomic sequencing, and metabolomics.
• Performs histological staining and microscopic imaging of mouse tissue.
• Collaborates with staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to design and assemble custom synthetic microbial communities for experimentation.
• Supports scientific and research programs related to basic science and translational research about the mouse or human gut microbiome; analyzes data, monitors and oversees experimental processes, and designs and develops assays, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
• Supervises maintenance of cryo-stock database and quality control of cryo-stocks and microbial communities.
• Maintains mouse colonies and human/mouse cell lines.
• Maintains documentation related to research studies and protocols.
• Modifies, repairs, and troubleshoots experimental systems.
• Oversees the work of technicians and staff associated with the group/projects and provides guidance to technicians, operators, and others as needed.
• Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other University staff; serves as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
• Communicates progress or problems to PIs or managers routinely.
• Attends and contributes to discussions during lab meetings.
• Makes contributions to lab management by ordering equipment and supplies, generating reagents, and ensuring lab compliance with safety and animal welfare regulations.
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Takes 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.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in biology or related field.

Experience

• Familiar with using mice as an experimental model.
• Familiar with sterile and microbiological techniques.
• Overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.
• Industry experience is a plus.

Technical Skills Or Knowledge

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills of basic and advanced laboratory techniques, biochemical/cellular biological principles and practices.
• Work with project management tools.

Preferred Competencies

• Adhere to protocol and thoroughly perform quality control measures.
• Practice rigorous scientific documentation and inventory management.
• Exceptional work ethic and self-starter attitude with demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of assigned projects and processes.
• Effectively collaborate with senior engineering and scientific staff to design, develop, and implement custom protocols for strain growth and community construction.
• Demonstrate ability to evaluate research/process capabilities, troubleshoot, and make recommendations.
• Demonstrate ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Prioritize own work and multi-task.
• Routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Work independently and as part of a team.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (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

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‑based 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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