Research Specialist

Department
 

PSD Chemistry: Faculty Support

About the Department
 

One of the first departments founded at the University of Chicago was the Department of Chemistry. Since then, The University of Chicago has been the recipient of more than 73 Nobel Prize recipients, 15 of which came from the Department of Chemistry. Our current faculty have considerable strength in inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, as well as in interdisciplinary research that delves into biology, physics, and materials science.

Job Summary
 

Krishnan laboratory is at the forefront of applying DNA nanotechnology for targeting small molecules specifically to diseased cells with organelle-level precision. Currently, our lab is developing high-accuracy, DNA-based diagnostic probes for therapeutic applications by targeting them to lysosomes in tumor-associated macrophages. While you are here, your project will involve optimizing the sequence and structure of our DNA nanodevices to achieve the highest efficiency and selectivity for cellular delivery. This position will perform routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Also, ensuring compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

Responsibilities

• Installs sets up and performs experiments; interacts with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs synthesis and chemical characterization of organic small-molecule fluorophores and aids in biophysical experiments.
• Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures.
• 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.
• Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.
• Has general awareness of research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• 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 < 2 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 Biological Sciences or related field.
  

Experience:

• Knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in organic synthesis and/or biological chemistry.
• Experience with ELISA, qRT-PCR, and cell culture.
• Basic lab skills including pipetting, and buffer/reagents preparation.

Preferred Competencies

• Knowledge in the relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge of research techniques or methods relevant to the lab (e.g. C elegans genetics, zebrafish genetics, live-imaging approaches to cell biological problems, intracellular traffic (i.e., mechanisms of endocytosis or exocytosis).
• Detail-oriented and organized. Be able to take instructions and execute assignments. Be able to work independently, seeking clarification and guidance where needed.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and an aptitude for continuous learning, especially with regard to complex instrumentation and techniques. For someone who demonstrates enthusiasm and aptitude for learning, this position offers the opportunity to strengthen laboratory and research skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to adapt. Strong communication skills, including the ability to ask questions and provide updates on work progress clearly and with sufficient technical detail.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)
• References (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
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

37.5

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

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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