at University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Job Description
DepartmentBSD MGC - Mukherjee Lab
About the Department
The Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology - MGCB - operates within the Biological Sciences Division. Its faculty investigate molecular aspects of biological phenomena that operate on a cellular scale. The Department currently represents research on a wide range of biological problems and systems - its internationally recognized strengths include invertebrate and vertebrate development, plant development and plant pathogen interactions, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, cellular structure and function, and yeast genetics.
The Mukherjee Lab uses genetic, molecular biology and biochemical approaches in bacteria to investigate how collective behaviors arise and shape the development of bacterial communities. Specifically, we aim to understand how bacteria decode and integrate self-generated and environmentally-derived stimuli to control transitions between individual and collective behaviors. More information on the lab can be found at: https://sampritimukherjeelab.uchicago.edu/. 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 Specialist will involve both research and general lab duties; we are looking for candidates interested in gaining experience in molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology techniques.
The successful candidate will work independently under the supervision of the principal investigator, and in collaboration with a team of scientists, have great communication skills, pay attention to detail, be well-organized and meticulously follow instructions, and show eagerness to learn new skills and grow as a researcher.
Responsibilities
- Design, implement, and interpret experiments under the supervision of the principal investigator with the goal of publishing the work in high-quality journals. Plus, assist with preparing data for presentations at scientific meetings and for publication in journals.
- Perform supplemental research activities, such as: maintaining detailed records of experimental data, meeting with the principal investigator and other lab personnel to discuss experiments, participating in weekly lab meetings, and reading the scientific literature.
- Assist with general lab duties, such as: lab maintenance, ordering supplies, shipping reagents to other labs, preparing media and solutions, and assisting in the training of new lab members.
- Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
- Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
- Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
- Maintains 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. Has general awareness 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 a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through ---
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field.
Experience:
- Prior experience with molecular cloning, bacterial genetics and cell biology and microscopy.
- Knowledge of standard research techniques relevant to biochemistry and molecular biology.
- Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and common data analysis software.
Preferred Competencies
- Analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Working Conditions
- Lab Environment.
- Weekend/Evening hours: Occasional weekend hours required for maintaining bacteria.
- Moderate physical activity which includes reaching for materials, carrying materials, safe handling and manipulation of chemicals and biological materials according to approved protocols, writing, computer use, standing at the bench, and bending at the waist/crouching to access certain pieces of equipment.
- Requires the ability to stand for long periods of time, very good manual dexterity and the ability to perform fine motor tasks.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover Letter (required)
When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Research
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Frequency
Monthly
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.
Staff 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.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
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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