Senior Research Technician

The University Of Chicago; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago seeks a Senior Research Technician for the DeLeon lab in Gastroenterology. You will design and perform research experiments focused on gut microbiome data, host-microbiome interactions, and metagenomic sequencing.

You’ll support cell culture and animal studies, manage lab operations, and collaborate across teams. Ideal candidates have extensive wet-lab experience, are self-starters with strong organizational skills, and stay current on microbiota methods and data

Qualifications

• Education: college or university degree in a related field.
• Work Experience: 2–5 years in a related job discipline.
• Certifications: not specified in posting.

Responsibilities

• Prepares DNA libraries for metagenomic sequencing and coordinates downstream bioinformatic processing.
• Prepares host cells for various cell culture techniques and aids in in vitro experiments.
• Manages gnotobiotic mice and experiments.
• Oversees lab operations, supply ordering, freezer maintenance, and cross-lab collaborations.
• Records findings and maintains lab notebooks in the internal LIMS.
• Performs basic techniques including DNA/RNA/protein extractions, PCR, immunoblots, and microscopy.

Skills

Wet lab experience

Metagenomics

Cell culture

Bioinformatics

Gnotobiotic animal work

PCR

Microscopy

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Advanced degree in biochemistry/biology/microbiology

Tools

PCR

Immunoblotting

DNA/RNA extraction

Microscopy

Job description

Department BSD MED - Gastroenterology - DeLeon 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, biology, or microbiology to join our interdisciplinary team to design and perform research experiments. The DeLeon lab is seeking a highly motivated technician to prep and analyze gut microbiome samples 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 primarily study host-microbiome interactions and need an individual with extensive wet-lab experience to assist with a variety of microbiome and cell culture experiments. You will aid in ongoing studies, and 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

• Prepares DNA libraries for metagenomic sequencing and coordinates downstream bioinformatic processing.
• Prepares host cells for a variety of cell culture techniques, and aids in in vitro experiments managed in the lab.
• Manges Gnotobiotic mice and experiments.
• Manages institutional aspects of the DeLeon lab, including supply ordering, freezer maintenance and organization, and interdisciplinary collaborations with other research laboratories.
• Records findings/results.
• Maintains laboratory notebook and assists with record keeping within internal University LIMS.
• Performs basic lab techniques, including the 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.
• Certifications: ---

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Advanced degree in biochemistry, biology, and/or microbiology.
• Experience: Background in in vitro cell culture systems and modelling.
• Animal model experience.
• Familiarity with microbiome wet lab experiments, including anaerobic chamber work, bacterial isolation, and microbiome sample preparation and analysis.
• Understanding of DNA/RNA extraction methodologies and data analysis pipelines.
• Bioinformatic and/or coding experience.
• Technical Skills or Knowledge: Knowledge in relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge in microbiology.
• Knowledge of research techniques, such as growing microbial cultures, animal experimentation, DNA/RNA/protein extractions, PCR, western blotting, microscopy, use of standard laboratory equipment including pH meter, scales, and cell culture hoods and practices.
• Preferred Competencies: Analytical skills.
• Preferred Competencies: Problem-solving skills.
• Preferred Competencies: Attention to detail.
• Preferred Competencies: Organizational skills.
• Preferred Competencies: Verbal and written communication skills.
• Preferred Competencies: Work independently and as part of a team.
• Preferred Competencies: Adaptable, willing to learn new skills, and take on new responsibilities.
• Preferred Competencies: Effective time-management skills.

Job Family

Research Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Drug Test: Required

Health Screen: Required

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry: Required

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.

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