Staff Scientist

About the role

Department

PSD Chemistry: Moellering Group

Job Summary

We are seeking a Staff Scientist to facilitate the day-to-day efforts to promote and assist with the research projects in the Moellering Lab. This position will help manage daily operations of a busy research group with 15+ researchers, including scientific editing, strategic and financial planning, annual progress reporting, and maintenance of safety and animal use protocols.

The position may be attractive for those who wish to take on more scientific editing and administrative responsibilities in a stimulating academic research environment. Principal contributions are intellectual, characterized by originality and creativity.

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.

Responsibilities

• Develop, design, build, and maintain graphics for communicating research projects.
• Compile documents and assists with interpreting experimental data and adjusting experimental protocols, including drafting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory.
• Attend team meetings and participate in interpreting scientific data and strategic project planning.
• Oversee and/or assist with mentoring trainees in effective scientific communication.
• Interact with vendors to address equipment, reagent, or supply solutions, including working with all levels of staff to assist in evaluating new equipment.
• Participate in the preparation and writing of grant applications and annual reports, and scientific research manuscripts.
• Provide peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Comply with the institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Tracking project expenditures and research data management.
• Manage lab safety checklists, schedules, lab duty lists, lab maintenance and cleanup schedules; orienting new lab members.
• Conduct and schedule equipment repair calls.
• Oversee lab materials and ordering of supplies, negotiate with vendors and manage maintenance of laboratory inventory.
• Assists with website management.
• Process GEMS reporting.
• Host seminar speakers/visitors for the group and assist with workshops and collaborative meetings.
• Duties include other administrative aspects of the research projects.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Trains new laboratory personnel.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications: Preferred Qualifications

Education

• PhD in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biology, or related fields.

Experience

• Significant relevant research experience, including postdoctoral experience.
• Experience working in higher education, academic, or industrial research environment.
• Experience and demonstrated proficiency in techniques across multiple fields, including analytical chemistry, quantitative proteomics, metabolomics, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology.

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

• Knowledge in relevant scientific field required.
• Problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills.
• Attention to detail required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Ability to train others preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Illustrator, and GraphPad Prism are a plus.

Working Conditions

• Standard research laboratory and office environments.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• 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 $75,000.00 - $90,000.00

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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