Research Technician
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

BSD MED - Rheumatology

About the Department

The position is in the Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, specifically, Amy Weinmann's laboratory.

The Section of Rheumatology is a dynamic and growing enterprise of approximately forty 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. 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 Section of Rheumatology is looking for Research Technician(s) to work within the Weinmann Lab in the Department of Medicine. The Weinmann laboratory focuses on understanding cellular differentiation programming decisions in the immune system. Our projects include characterizing the role for metabolites in regulating cellular programming potential and understanding how evolutionary genome rearrangements affect the three-dimensional organization of the genome. We employ interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, genomics, gene regulation, immunology, and bioinformatics. We are seeking highly motivated individuals for the position of Research Technician. In this role, your primary responsibility will be to work closely with the principal investigator and other laboratory members to learn and execute a broad range of biological techniques including genomics approaches, PCR, molecular cloning, animal husbandry, primary cell culture, western blot, flow cytometry, and bioinformatics. Other responsibilities include contributing to general lab organization (e.g. ordering, restocking supplies, making common reagents, record-keeping, etc.). We promote an inclusive, uplifting and collaborative research environment with access to many career development resources. The work will be multi-faceted, with opportunities to support on-going projects as well as develop independent projects, with the goal of contributing to authorship on publications. This position is ideal for recent college graduates interested in cutting-edge research experiences prior to graduate, medical, or professional schools.

Responsibilities

• Duties include molecular cloning, cell culture, biochemical assays, chromatin immunoprecipitation, western blots.
  
• Tissue harvest, flow cytometry, genomics (ATAC-seq, RNA-seq, etc.), library construction, next-generation sequencing.
  
• Animal husbandry, genotyping, record-keeping.
  
• Ordering and organizing laboratory supplies, instruments, and equipment.
  
• Maintain experimental records, make figures and calculate statistical significance of findings.
  
• 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.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through ---
Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

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

Experience:

• Relevant research experience.
  

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Basic molecular biology skills.
  
• Skills in basic bioinformatics.
  
• Familiarity with flow cytometry, sterile techniques, animal husbandry.
  
• Attention to detail and ability to focus on dedicated tasks for extended periods.
  
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
  
• Strong organizational skills.
  
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
  
• Cover Letter (required)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

Staff 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.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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