Staff Scientist

About the role

Department

PSD Chemistry: He Group

Job Summary

The principal contribution of a Staff Scientist is leading translational research projects under the mentorship of Dr. Chuan He in the Department of Chemistry. The He Lab seeks a highly experienced scientist with expertise in bioinformatics, next-generation sequencing technologies, and gene regulation. The candidate will lead research projects involving RNA modifications, RNA-RNA interactions, and small RNA-mediated gene regulation. The candidate must hold a Ph.D. degree in bioinformatics, or a related field and have over 4 years of postdoctoral research experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine and advanced molecular biology experiments, including nucleic acid extraction, purification, quantification, PCR/RT-PCR, and gel-based analysis.
• Prepare and process RNA and DNA samples for next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, including library preparation and data analysis.
• Design and perform related biochemical and molecular biology experiments to investigate and validate the function of small RNAs and their RNA-RNA interaction in gene expression regulation.
• Support large-scale research projects aimed at studying biological mechanisms using bioinformatics approaches.
• Operates in a highly collaborative mode with all members of the group and with others in the Institute and with off-campus collaborators.
• Under general supervision of principal investigator, supervise and/or assist with the complex technical duties in a laboratory doing non-clinical research.
• Compile documents and assists with interpreting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory.
• Gives frequent internal and occasional external talks and tutorials on the thinking and work progress.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Mentor and supervise lab technician and undergraduate students within the group.
• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.
• May present work at scientific meetings.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a PhD 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

• PhD in Biology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics.

Experience

• Previous Postdoctoral Scholar experience.

Technical Knowledge or Skills

• Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant scientific fields.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

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.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team and interact with a diverse workforce.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Demonstrated ability to articulate their scienti c discoveries both in written publications and in talks.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (preferred)
• Three Professional 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 $60,000.00 - $70,000.00

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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