Research Technician

Department

PME Esser-Kahn Lab

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 Esser-Kahn Research Lab is seeking a Research Technician with a background and interest in vaccine developments. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator, Postdoctoral Researchers, and students of the research lab. The candidate will also be responsible for supporting all aspects of the lab research projects and research facilities, including developing experimental or computational approaches to design adjuvants that better mimic the spatiotemporal pattern of immune activation induced by natural pathogens to create safer, more effective vaccines.

Responsibilities

• Supports the development, design, and conduct research projects according to plan, including collecting, analyzing, and maintaining data and/or specimens.
• Assists in maintaining an organized lab space and inventory of laboratory supplies, such as maintaining stock of reagents. 
• Interacts with vendors to address equipment, reagent, or supply solutions, including working with all levels of staff to assist in evaluating new equipment.
• Stays abreast of the latest developments in comprehensive knowledge in the relevant research areas. Effectively articulates ideas, participates and/or coordinates in developing grant proposals.
• Independently interprets research data, develops conclusions and communicates the findings to stakeholders through effective oral and written communication.
• Supports the publication of scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals and gives presentations at scientific meetings.
• Effectively interacts and communicates with an integrated team of researchers from a broad range of disciplines.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects. Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts. Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. 
• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a field relevant to the research being conducted.

Experience:

• Possess experience in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Conducting wet or dry lab work in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Working with academic and laboratory research environment, preferably in an independent project, such as undergrad summer projects.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• For experimental candidates, knowledge of research techniques or methods for basic molecular biology and sterile techniques.
• For computational candidates, knowledge of basic programming in a few coding languages.
• Knowledge of relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of immunology is a plus but not required; possess a desire to learn.

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.
• Work independently and collaborate with other lab personnel.
• Familiarity with first principles simulation techniques.
• Assist in training lab personnel.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (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

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$20.00 - $25.00

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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