Research Specialist

About the role

Department

PSD Chemistry: Moellering Group

Job Summary

The Moellering lab is seeking a Research Specialist who is well-versed in handling and performing research with in vivo rodent models. This role is ideal for those who have a demonstrated history in collaborative research, effective communication, the ability to follow standard protocols, and an aptitude for troubleshooting.

The ideal candidate should value continuous learning, building networks, and upholding the university's academic excellence to make meaningful contributions to advanced research pursuits. This position will perform routine assignments related to scientific research projects, ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, and analyze possible solutions using standard procedures.

The Research Specialist will assist in drafting presentations, articles, reports, and manuscripts based on research findings in a laboratory environment.

Responsibilities

• Performs in vivo experiments; including xenograft models, compound administration (IP IV, and SC), daily health monitoring, imaging, and tissue collection.
• Conduct experiments and maintain data of research findings.
• Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Assists with building and standardizing protocols, as needed.
• Builds competence in research techniques or methods, related to cancer models.
• Is up to date on background scientific literature regarding their projects.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Installs, 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 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: Preferred Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences or related field.

Experience

• Experience with animal studies (mouse), including intraperitoneal, intravenous, and subcutaneous administration protocols. Experience establishing tumor xenografts is a plus.
• Experience with techniques in biochemistry, cell and cancer biology.

Technical Knowledge or Skills

• Rodent handling and husbandry (mouse).
• Basic understanding of cancer biology.
• Systematic maintenance of daily experimental records and tracking of individual mice, tissue specimens and compounds.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to follow guidelines for the responsible conduct of research with animals, as outlined by the lab's Animal Care and Use Protocol, and the University's IACUC.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge of research techniques or methods relevant to the lab (e.g., mouse models of cancer, xenograft models, proper compound handling, etc.).
• Strong organizational skills.
• Detail-oriented, able to take instructions and execute assignments.
• Able to work independently, seeking clarification and guidance where needed.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and an aptitude for continuous learning; this position offers the opportunity to strengthen laboratory and research skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to adapt.
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to ask questions and provide updates on work progress clearly and with sufficient technical detail.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• References (preferred)

Additional information

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
• 37.5
• Drug Test Required
• No
• Health Screen Required
• No
• Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
• No
• Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range $55,000.00 - $65,000.00

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

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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