Research Specialist
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

BSD DFI - Genomics

About the Department

The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) investigates the role of the microbiome in resistance and susceptibility to infectious, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases. The microbiome consists of complex populations of microbes that can be characterized by DNA and RNA sequencing. By developing new knowledge about the interactions between the human body and the microbiome, the DFI is breaking new ground that will lead to therapies that increase resistance to a wide range of diseases.

Job Summary

This position involves participating in groundbreaking science that emphasizes the treatment and the prevention of disease. This opportunity involves interacting and collaborating with researchers across a wide range of biological sciences in an academic setting and with access to the latest technologies. The DFI's Microbiome Metagenomics Facility uses state of the art equipment to isolate and characterize microbial DNA and RNA from experimental and clinical samples in preparation for next-generation sequence analysis. We are seeking a Research Specialist to use cutting edge technologies designed to accelerate research and introduce novel interventions optimizing microbiome-mediated host defenses. Skills acquired in the laboratory include DNA/RNA extraction, PCR amplification, PCR purification, and library preparation for next-generation sequencing.

Responsibilities

• Routinely aliquot and prepare experimental and clinical samples for freezing.
  
• Extract DNA and RNA from samples and precisely quantify concentrations.
  
• Prepare DNA and RNA for Next-generation sequence analysis.
  
• Attend and contribute to weekly laboratory meetings.
  
• 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.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Master's degree in Cell and/or Molecular Biology strongly preferred.
  

Experience:

• Advanced molecular biology techniques.
  
• Illumina Library preparation for 16S RNA and Whole Genome Sequencing.
  
• RNA-seq.
  
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
  
• Experience developing automated high-throughput sample prep using liquid handlers for next-generation sequencing workflows.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Expertise in GCP (good clinical practice) techniques to maintain the sterility of clinical research samples.
  
• Experience with advanced molecular biology techniques including nucleic acid extraction and purification and PCR amplification, NGS Illumina library preparations, knowledge of basic bioinformatic tools.
  

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
  
• Cover Letter (preferred)
  

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

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

Employees must comply with the University's COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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.

This job has expired.