Research Specialist 1

Department

BSD PED - Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation

About the Department

The Section of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology provides care for pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients with cancer and other hematologic diseases, requiring the specialty knowledge and skills of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation. In addition to patient care, clinical and translational research, including laboratory-based wet lab and dry lab studies, are conducted by faculty members in the section.

The major goal of the LaBelle laboratory is to dissect and pharmacologically target intracellular proteins to induce cancer cell death and manipulate the immune response. We are currently applying new research tools and prototype therapeutics that we, and others, have developed to specifically target the BCL-2 family of proteins. Our lab collaborates with colleagues in the Departments of Medicine-Hematology/Oncology, Ben May Department of Cancer Research, Committees on Immunology and Cancer Biology, Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, and the NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

The lab has expertise in cancer immunology, chemical biology, and drug delivery to carry out our scientific vision. Details can be found at https://labellelab.uchicago.edu/.

Overall, we are committed to the translation of our findings to patients with cancer and immune system disease. While performing research at the University of Chicago, we are in close proximity to scientists, clinicians, and patients and are deeply committed to working collaboratively with these groups to make significant inroads in treating those suffering from a refractory disease.

Job Summary

The job provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assist in drafting presentations on research findings. 

This at-will position is wholly funded by extramural funds (e.g., grant, gift, endowment) which are renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the funds. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these funds and satisfactory job performance.  

Responsibilities

• Maintenance of human cancer cell lines, cell death assays, flow cytometry, PCR, in vitro drug testing, and light-field/confocal microscopy.   

• Breeding and care for mice in treatment studies, including blood draws, injections and necropsies.   

• Collecting and maintaining data and /or specimens.   

• Collaborate with others in the lab.  

• Analyze data, conduct literature reviews, assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.   

• Maintaining and ordering equipment and supplies.   

• Assisting with developing data collection tools, assisting with building databases, and providing general administrative support.   

• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.   

• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. 

• Performs other related work as needed. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor's degree.  

Experience: 

• One year of relevant research experience.  

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.  

• Knowledge of research techniques or methods.  

• Analytical skills.  

• Problem-solving skills.  

• Attention to details.  

• Organizational skills  

• Verbal and written communication skills.  

• Ability to work independently as part of a team.  

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.  

Working Conditions

• Laboratory Setting.

Application Documents

• Resume (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.

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

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$19.23 - $26.44

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-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.

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