Research Technician

Department

BSD MED - Rheumatology - Weinmann Research Staff

About the Department

The Section of Rheumatology at University of Chicago Medicine is a dynamic and growing enterprise of faculty, staff, and fellows who are committed to providing outstanding state-of-the-art patient care, understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, and training the next generation of physicians and scientists. Through our disease-focused clinics we offer an inter-disciplinarily approach to patient care that provides access to the most current therapies and to the resources of the University. In parallel with our clinical activities, we have well-developed basic science research programs where our primary focus is on understanding the development and regulation of lymphocytes which is fundamental to the pathogenesis of most autoimmune diseases. These are exciting times in Rheumatology. Remarkable advances in our knowledge of basic immunology are beginning to translate into new and better treatments for those suffering from autoimmune and metabolic diseases. The Section is well poised to both take advantage and contribute to these revolutions in the understanding and treatment of rheumatic diseases.

Job Summary

The Weinmann lab is looking to hire a Research Technician to work on research projects related to the regulation of mammalian genomes. Areas of emphasis include the role for metabolites in immune cell differentiation and defining how evolutionary structural variation impacts gene regulation. The job encourages creative research questions, innovative informatics analyses and implementing novel approaches to better translate mechanisms between model organisms and human health.

Responsibilities

• Assists with developing and implementing bioinformatics protocols and tools.

• Understands and can articulate strengths and weaknesses of genomics data processing methods to scientists with different skill levels.

• Perform research characterizing evolutionary structural variation.

• Perform research associated with genome regulation.

• Interacts with students and other laboratory staff and trains them with the direction of the principal investigator.

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• 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.

Experience:

• Experience with bioinformatics and processing genomics datasets, including RNA-seq, ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq.

• Experience with python, R, and using a high-performance computing cluster for data analysis.

• Experience in developing and coding novel tools.

• Experience in developing Shiny apps and dashboards. 

Preferred Competencies

• Understanding of the principles of evolutionary genomics/genetics and the ability to apply this knowledge to the investigation of gene regulation mechanisms.

• Organized, task-oriented, good record keeper.

• Basic knowledge, skills and enthusiasm for molecular biology and animal research.

• Good verbal and written communication skills in English.
   

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

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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

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00

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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