Research Specialist 1

Department
 

BSD SRF – Human Tissue Resource Center: Biobank – Biofluids

About the Department
 

The Human Tissue Resource Center (HTRC) is comprised of four integrated facilities (Biospecimen Bank, Histology, Digital Pathology and Laser Capture Microdissection) and provides investigators with a centralized infrastructure to optimize the efficiency and costs related to research involving biospecimens.

Job Summary
 

The job provides basic technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.
The Research Specialist 1 will function within the Biospecimen Bank arm of the HTRC and will perform various duties related to the provision of these services. Daily work with human biospecimens is required.

Responsibilities

• Processing of whole blood into components (plasma and serum).

• Isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).

• Assisting in processing of human tissue. 

• Use of an electronic inventory management system to track sample custody and long-term storage locations in the HTRC Freezer Farm. 

• Communicating with CRAs about sample delivery and process times of samples via phone/email/pager.

• Accessing -80C and liquid nitrogen (-196C) freezers and dry ice chest with appropriate PPE.

• Maintaining adequate stock of supplies.

• This position may have some evening responsibilities. 

• 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.

• 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).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Experience:

• Experience using centrifuges.

• Experience with DNA extraction.

• Experience with PBMC isolation.

• Experience working with human biospecimens.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge of computers.  

• Multitask in a fast-paced environment.  

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.  

• Must be detail oriented.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

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

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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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