Senior Research Technician

The University Of Chicago; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Senior Research Technician for the Gastroenterology - Chang Lab. The role focuses on biochemistry/analytical chemistry to analyze microbial communities using LC/MS, DNA/RNA techniques, and metagenomic workflows.

Responsibilities include sample prep, data handling, and cross-team collaboration. The position emphasizes independent work, meticulous record keeping, and contribution to microbiome-based disease research.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree or higher in a related field.
• 2–5 years of related lab experience.
• Advanced degree preferred for biochemical/analytical chemistry roles.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain LC/MS equipment (Agilent 6400 Series LC/TQ) for functional analyses.
• Coordinate experiments with staff scientists, postdocs, and students.
• Prepare samples, run analyses, and report results; manage lab notebooks and LIMS entries.
• Assist with metagenomic sequencing and downstream data processing.

Skills

Analytical chemistry

Biochemistry

Laboratory skills

Data interpretation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Advanced degree in biochemistry or analytical chemistry

Tools

LC/MS techniques

Metagenomic sequencing

Bioinformatics pipelines

DNA/RNA extraction

Job description

Department BSD MED - Gastroenterology - Chang Research Staff

About the Department The Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition 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 biochemistry, and/or analytical chemistry to join our interdisciplinary team to design and perform research experiments. The Chang lab is seeking a highly motivated laboratory technician to prep samples and run a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer to gain insights into the function of a variety of mixed microbial communities. Our laboratory’s ultimate goal is to understand and unlock the tremendous promise of the microbiome for treatment of human disease. We seek to hire an individual who will help us understand and define the functional potential of healthy and diseased microbiomes. You will be responsible for the collection, extraction, preparation, and analysis of samples run through our mass spectrometry pipeline. You will also assist with metagenomic sequencing and gnotobiotic animal experiments. Additional duties include laboratory management, training technicians, and maintaining cross-team collaborations. Our ideal candidate should be a ‘self-starter,’ have exceptional organizational skills, and stay updated on recent advances in microbiota research.

Responsibilities

• Processes samples and runs a Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (Agilent 6400 Series LC/TQ) for a variety of functional analysis.
• Coordinates with staff scientists, postdoctoral scholars, and graduate students to design and implement experiments using LC/TQ technology.
• Analyzes data and prepares reports from samples run on LC/TQ system.
• Prepares DNA libraries for metagenomic sequencing and coordinates downstream bioinformatic processing.
• Records findings/results.
• Maintains laboratory notebook and assists with record keeping within internal University LIMS.
• Performs basic lab techniques, such as making of bacterial growth medias, buffers, pipetting, immunoblots, PCR, and microscopy, performing experiments for specific projects.
• 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.

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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in biochemistry and/or analytical chemistry.
• Experience: Background in LC/MS techniques, including sample preparation/extraction, running instrument, analyzing data, and managing organized data outputs.
• Background in DNA/RNA extraction methodologies and data analysis pipelines.
• Bioinformatic and/or coding experience.

Technical Skills or Knowledge

• Knowledge in Microbiology.
• Knowledge of research techniques (growing microbial cultures, animal experimentation, DNA/RNA/protein extractions, PCR, western blotting, microscopy, use of standard lab equipment including pH meter, scales, cell culture hoods and practices).

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field.
• Analytical skills.
• Problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable and willing to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.
• Effective time-management skills.

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.

Pay Range $60,000.00 - $80,000.00

Scheduled Weekly Hours 40

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.

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