Research Technician

About the role

Department

BSD MIC - Randall Lab

Job Summary

The Research Technician will join the University of Chicago Department of Microbiology, a program with a distinguished legacy of training over 200 Ph.D. graduates who have gone on to achieve national and international recognition.

Within this tradition of excellence, the Research Technician will support the Randall Laboratory's cutting-edge investigations into virus-host interactions, contributing directly to research that has real implications for antiviral therapeutic development worldwide.

Working under the moderate direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician will execute daily laboratory experiments - including cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, and gel electrophoresis - in support of viral and molecular studies focused on medically important RNA viruses such as hepatitis C, dengue, Zika, and norovirus.

The role also encompasses management of small rodent colonies, including breeding, genotyping, phenotyping, and husbandry; collection, analysis, and maintenance of research data and biological specimens; and oversight of laboratory inventory, supplies, equipment, and regulatory compliance.

The Research Technician will further contribute to the lab's collaborative culture by conducting literature reviews, assisting in manuscript and report preparation, supporting the training of incoming students and personnel, and presenting research findings.

This position offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to collaborative, high-impact science at the intersection of infectious disease, virology, immunology, and translational research.

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.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Experiments: Under PI's moderate level of direction, apply research principle and setup and execute daily experiments including cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis for viral and molecular studies; recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems.
• Animal Colony Management: Maintain small rodent (primarily mouse) colonies including breeding, genotyping, phenotyping and general husbandry or treatments.
• Data collection and Management: collect, analyze, and maintain research data, records, and biological specimens; and develop data collection instruments.
• Laboratory Operations: Manage inventory, order lab supplies and reagents, receive shipments, and maintain equipment.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure the lab complies with institutional, state and federal regulatory safety policies and mandates.
• Administration and Collaborative Support: conduct literature reviews, assist in preparing reports or manuscripts, and help train incoming students and/or new lab personnel; presenting research.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. 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: Preferred Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

• Experience with basic microbiology laboratory techniques including aseptic, microbial culturing and inoculation, isolation, straining method, microcopy, and biochemical testing.
• Experience working with animals.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to design and interpret complex experiments, synthesize data across multiple systems, and translate findings into testable hypotheses.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (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
• 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 $21.63 - $28.85

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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