Research Professional

Department

BSD BMB - Rice Lab

About the Department

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology studies how biomolecules function and interact to drive the complex, diverse, and adaptive behaviors of living systems. Our focus is on biological mechanisms described at the atomic level. We are highly collaborative and often employ multiple approaches to address otherwise intractable questions. We have particular strengths in membrane proteins and RNA biochemistry and are pioneers in all areas of biophysics, structural biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering and design.

Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments that facilitate and promote a research project or contributes to the scientific direction of a research resource. Receives instruction, guidance, and direction from others.

The Rice Lab focuses on the structural biology, biochemistry, mechanism, and biology of microbial mobile genetic elements and the machinery that they encode. The Lab is highly interdisciplinary and team members must be able to work effectively and collegially in a team environment. The projects require expertise in cryo electron microscopy (single particle analysis), biochemical analysis of recombinase function, bio-informatics and the ability to converse intellectually with team members undertaking related projects using diverse tools, including microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborates on development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations. 
• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Cryo electron microscopy.
• Protein purification.
• Biochemistry of protein-DNA interactions and DNA recombinases.
• Structural-biology related bioinformatics.
• Peer-reviewed publications in a related field.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities and complex problems.     
• Willingness to help others in the lab as needed.   
• Excellent problem-solving skills.  
• Initiative in identifying new tools and software that are useful to the lab.
• Background knowledge of microbial mobile genetic elements and the mechanisms of the recombinases they encode. 

Working Conditions

• Research Lab setting.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (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

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

$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.

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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