Research Specialist

Department

PME Immunoengineering

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME; https://pme.uchicago.edu/) was established in May 2019 and evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. The PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. The PME’s rigorous academic and research programs are made possible through the University of Chicago’s unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, the PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. The PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront, while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

The Simic group at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is seeking a Research Specialist interested in gaining experience in synthetic biology and cell engineering. Under the direction of Assistant Professor Milos Simic, the Specialist will help get the lab started and apply cutting-edge approaches to develop next-generation cell therapies, including smart immune cells designed to recognize and kill cancer cells or to treat other challenging diseases such as neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The selected candidate will contribute to a team in the performance of laboratory and investigative procedures by conducting a variety of experimental techniques such as molecular cloning, cell culture (cell lines and primary cells), flow cytometry, and ELISA-like assays. The successful candidate will receive detailed technical training and will execute cellular assays to collect, analyze, and compile data in support of our research. Additionally, the Specialist will be expected to assist with managing day-to-day lab operations, perform general lab duties, and be a positive lab citizen. This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated candidate seeking in-depth experience in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Responsibilities

• Performs various investigative procedures and operates a variety of instruments and other scientific equipment. Examples of equipment routinely used are plate readers for absorbance or luminescence-based assays, microscopes for live cell functional studies, PCR machines for gene amplification and cloning, and flow cytometers and cell sorters for single-cell analysis and isolation.
• Collaborates with internal and external students, scientists, researchers, programmers, and engineering teams.
• Contributes new ideas that can lead to new experiments and research grant proposals.
• Helps develop, design, and conduct research projects according to plan.
• With moderate supervision, manages research-related duties and tasks.
• Documents research efforts and software adequately for sharing with the PI and lab members.
• Helps disseminate research results in high-impact journals and conferences.
• Conducts periodic training for current or new members of the research group.
• Recognizes abnormal or potentially abnormal results, communicates about them, and sets up procedures to investigate and correct problems.
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Complies with institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• 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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as biology, immunology, chemistry, etc.

Experience:

• Design and assembly of DNA constructs, including modern molecular cloning techniques like Golden Gate or Gibson Assembly.
• Viral vectors, transposon vectors and/or CRISPR genome integration techniques for genetic engineering.
• Culture of mammalian cells, including tumor cell lines, primary immune cells, such as T cells, and/or stem cells.
• Flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Animal experiments, including mouse models for cancer, autoimmunity, and/or neurodegeneration, subcutaneous and intravenous injection.
• Immunology assays, such as cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and general in vitro functional measurements of T cells.
• Fluorescence microscopy and imaging data analysis.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of basic programming in a few coding languages.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.
• 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.
• Work independently and collaborate with other lab personnel.
• Work both independently and in collaboration with other lab personnel.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.
• Occasional extensive reaches and grasps with arms and hands.
• Long periods of standing and/or sitting.
• Work involves possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids and presence of carcinogenic substances.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Research Statement (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00

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.

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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