Staff Scientist

University of Chicago; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Staff Scientist to lead translational research in RNA biology under Dr. Chuan He. The role requires a PhD in a related field and experience in bioinformatics, NGS, and gene regulation.

You will guide projects on RNA modifications and RNA-RNA interactions while mentoring students and collaborating across the Institute. This onsite position in Chicago offers a competitive salary range and access to extensive departmental resources, with an emphasis on

Qualifications

• PhD required in biology-related field.
• < 2 years of related work or postdoctoral experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of bioinformatics and molecular biology.

Responsibilities

• Lead translational research projects under supervision.
• Perform molecular biology experiments (RNA/DNA extraction, PCR/RT-PCR, gel-based analyses).
• Prepare samples for NGS workflows and analyze sequencing data.
• Collaborate across the group and with external collaborators; mentor students.

Skills

Bioinformatics

NGS

Gene regulation

RNA modifications

Education

PhD in Biology/Molecular Biology/Bioinformatics

Tools

PCR/RT-PCR

Job description

## Staff ScientistApply: Onsite: Chicago, IL: Full time: Posted Today: JR35354**Department**PSD Chemistry: He Group**About the Department**One of the first departments founded at the University of Chicago was the Department of Chemistry. Since then, The University of Chicago has been the recipient of more than 73 Nobel Prize recipients, 15 of which came from the Department of Chemistry. Our current faculty have considerable strength in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as in interdisciplinary research that delves into biology, physics, and materials science.**Job Summary**The principal contribution of a Staff Scientist is leading translational research projects under the mentorship of Dr. Chuan He in the Department of Chemistry. The He Lab seeks a highly experienced scientist with expertise in bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing technologies, and gene regulation. The candidate will lead research projects involving RNA modifications, RNA-RNA interactions, and small RNA-mediated gene regulation. The candidate must hold a Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics, or a related field and have over 4 years of postdoctoral research experience.**Responsibilities*** Perform routine and advanced molecular biology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, purification, quantification, PCR/RT-PCR, and gel-based analysis.* Prepare and process RNA and DNA samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, including library preparation and data analysis.* Design and perform related biochemical and molecular biology experiments to investigate and validate the function of small RNAs and their RNA-RNA interaction in gene expression regulation.* Support large-scale research projects aimed at studying biological mechanisms using bioinformatics approaches.* Operates in a highly collaborative mode with all members of the group and with others in the Institute and with off-campus collaborators.* Under general supervision of principal investigator, supervise and/or assist with the complex technical duties in a laboratory doing non-clinical research.* Compile documents and assists with interpreting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory.* Gives frequent internal and occasional external talks and tutorials on the thinking and work progress.* Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.* Mentor and supervise lab technician and undergraduate students within the group.* Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.* May present work at scientific meetings.* Performs other related work as needed.**Minimum Qualifications****Education:**Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.**Work Experience:**Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.**Certifications:****---****Preferred Qualifications** **Education:** * PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics. **Experience:** * Previous Postdoctoral Scholar experience. **Technical Knowledge or Skills:** * Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.* Knowledge of relevant scientific fields.* Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.**Preferred Competencies** * Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills including attention to detail.* Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.* Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend scientific and technical literature, and methods to stay abreast of developments in the field.* Ability to work independently and as a part of a team and interact with a diverse workforce.* Ability to think creatively.* Demonstrated ability to articulate their scientific discoveries both in written publications and in talks. **Application Documents** * Resume (required)* Cover Letter (preferred)* Three Professional References (preferred)The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. 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**37.5**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 - $70,000.00The 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**YesThe 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.