Research Technician

Department

PME Chevrier 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 Chevrier Lab is seeking a Research Technician with a background and interest in computational or experimental biology who will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator, lab staff and trainees. Under general supervision, the incumbent provides routine or standardized laboratory research-related duties and tasks, including developing experimental approaches to investigate the mammalian immune system, with and emphasis placed on (1) basic molecular biology, cloning, and cellular immunology techniques in vitro and in vivo, (2) next-generation sequencing-based technologies to perform genome-scale measurements of gene expression or other parameters, and (3) the development and maintenance of lab pipelines for genomics profiling, histology analysis, and automated liquid handling setups.

Responsibilities

• Under general supervision of the principal investigator, supervises and/or helps with the complex technical duties in a laboratory doing non-clinical as well as clinical research. 
• Carries out small independent projects as well as basic bench-level experiments and techniques and/or computational work.
• Documents, compiles, and assists with interpreting experimental data and adjusting experimental protocols.
• Reports data to supervisor and team, attends team meetings to share results, plan projects and experiments, and ensures that projects support current team goals.
• Consults with other scientists or scientific literature as needed.
• Assists with training new lab members and interns.
• Assists in maintaining an organizing lab space and inventory of laboratory supplies, for example 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.
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• 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.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• May assist 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. Is developing skills 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 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.
• Advanced degree.

Experience:

• Possess experience in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Background conducting wet lab work in a research laboratory, preferably in an independent project.
• Background working within an academic and laboratory research environment, preferably in an independent project.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Familiarity with basic molecular biology techniques, sterile techniques, and the operation of standard lab equipment.
• Demonstrated experience with mouse husbandry and extraction of tissues.
• Familiarity with coding in R, Unix, python and/or other languages is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience with next-generation sequencing data is a plus.
• Knowledge of immunology is a plus, or desire to learn.
• 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.
• Familiarity with first principles simulation techniques.

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 collaboratively with other lab personnel.
• Assist in training lab personnel.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (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

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

$22.00 - $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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