Senior Research Technician

• →Prepares microbial cultures and microbial communities for transplantation.
• →Works with SPF and germ-free mice.
• →Designs, prepares and sets up mouse experiments.
• →Harvests tissue and microbial samples from mice.
• →Analyzes experimental data, including bulk and single cell genomic sequencing, and metabolomics.
• →Performs histological staining and microscopic imaging of mouse tissue.
• →Collaborates with staff scientists, postdoctoral researchers, and graduate students to design and assemble custom synthetic microbial communities for experimentation.
• →Supports scientific and research programs related to basic science and translational research about the mouse or human gut microbiome; analyzes data, monitors and oversees experimental processes, and designs and develops assays, specialized equipment, and/or systems.
• →Supervises maintenance of cryo-stock database and quality control of cryo-stocks and microbial communities.
• →Maintains mouse colonies and human/mouse cell lines.
• →Maintains documentation related to research studies and protocols.
• →Modifies, repairs, and troubleshoots experimental systems.
• →Oversees the work of technicians and staff associated with the group/projects and provides guidance to technicians, operators, and others as needed.
• →Liaise between researchers, students, technical staff, scientists, vendors, and other University staff; serves as a resource, providing training and practical guidance.
• →Communicates progress or problems to PIs or managers routinely.
• →Attends and contributes to discussions during lab meetings.
• →Makes contributions to lab management by ordering equipment and supplies, generating reagents, and ensuring lab compliance with safety and animal welfare regulations.
• →Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project. With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks. Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• →Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments. Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• →Performs other related work as needed.

• Master’s degree in biology or related field.

• Familiar with using mice as an experimental model.
• Familiar with sterile and microbiological techniques.
• Overseeing a laboratory space or unit and supervising the work of technicians and other staff associated with the group.
• Industry experience is a plus.

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills of basic and advanced laboratory techniques, biochemical/cellular biological principles and practices.
• Work with project management tools. 

• Adhere to protocol and thoroughly perform quality control measures.
• Practice rigorous scientific documentation and inventory management.
• Exceptional work ethic and self-starter attitude with demonstrated ability to take initiative and ownership of assigned projects and processes.
• Effectively collaborate with senior engineering and scientific staff to design, develop, and implement custom protocols for strain growth and community construction.
• Demonstrate ability to evaluate research/process capabilities, troubleshoot, and make recommendations.
• Demonstrate ability to establish, communicate, and enforce compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Prioritize own work and multi-task.
• Routinely and independently exercise sound judgment in making decisions.
• Work independently and as part of a team.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

​
FLSA Status

​
Pay Range

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.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

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.

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.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.