Research Technical Assistant

Department

BSD MIC - Chen Lab

About The Department

The Jueqi Chen Research Lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms and functionalities of innate immunity and inflammation, with diverse approaches in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, genetics and immunology. We are broadly interested in exploring how the host defends against invasion of pathogens including viruses and bacteria, and in discovering potential therapeutic targets for human diseases including infections, autoimmune disorders, cancers and neurodegeneration.

The Department of Microbiology has been home for the renowned scientists Howard Taylor Ricketts, William H. Taliaferro, Lowell T. Coggeshall, William Burrows and James Moulder. Howard Taylor Ricketts identified rickettsiae as the causative agents of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and Typhus. William Taliaferro and Lowell Coggeshall, both members of the National Academy of Sciences, served as Chairman of the Department and eventually Deans of the Division of Biological Sciences. Successive editions of Burrows' Medical Microbiology were the standard textbook of medical schools for decades. Jim Moulder was chairman of the Department of Microbiology and a leader in chlamydial research. Bernard Roizman, the Joseph Regenstein Distinguished Service University Professor, trained students and fellows in Virology beginning in 1965. Roizman and colleagues established the modern field of Herpesviruses and nurtured its intellectual leaders. More than 200 graduate students received a Ph.D. in Microbiology at the University of Chicago. We are very proud of our graduates, many of whom have achieved national recognition or even world fame.

This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Job Summary

The Research Technical Assistant provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. This position complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. In addition, the Research Technical Assistant assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

• Performs laboratory organization, ordering and record-keeping.
• Assists in preparation of common reagents.
• Develops and performs assays.
• Establishes and cultures mammalian cell lines.
• Performs molecular cloning and PCR.
• Performs expression and purification of proteins.
• Performs cell biology imaging experiments (fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy).
• Performs work in Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) conditions and animal facilities.
• Collaborates and communicates with other lab members.
• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.
• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
• 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.
• Performs other related work as needed.
  
  

Education:

Minimum Qualifications

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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Biological or Chemical Science.
  
  

Experience:

• Working experience in one of the following fields: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, or microbiology
• Knowledge of computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  
  

Working Conditions

• Lab Environment.
  
  

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
  
  

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

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Range

$19.23 - $26.44

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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