Research Technician

Join to apply for the Research Technician role at Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago.

Pay Range: $21.63 yr - $28.85 yr

The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is an integral component of the Biological Sciences Division (BSD). The BSD is the largest of four Divisions of the University and includes the Pritzker School of Medicine. UCCCC administers four established scientific programs, and the NCI-sponsored Cancer Center Support Grant funds ten Shared Resources. The Comprehensive Cancer Center comprises over 190 faculty members from twenty departments, with members currently being awarded over $47 million in total direct costs in peer-reviewed cancer research grants, and $28 million in non-peer-reviewed grants and contracts.

The activities of the Center are broad and varied, including research, training and education, communications, fundraising, marketing, clinical trials management, and community outreach. UCCCC has one of the largest cancer clinical trials programs in the country and in the Chicago area, with nearly 500 adult and pediatric therapeutic trials actively accruing patients. Many of these studies are investigator-initiated, including Phase I or I/II trials, demonstrating UCCCC's commitment to translating basic research findings to the clinic through proof-of-principle and early-phase studies.

UCCCC opens over 250 new trials each year and accrues approximately 900 participants to therapeutic trials each year.

As a lab technician, you will work on a variety of tasks in our gynecologic cancer lab. The work encompasses cell culture, genomics, metabolomics, and molecular biology, utilizing animal models, established cancer cell lines, and human specimens. You will work in a dynamic and growing environment as part of the gynecologic cancer group of researchers on the 10th floor of the Knapp Center for Biological Discovery, with the best views of Lake Michigan on campus.

• Provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment, performing basic laboratory techniques and analysis under direction.
• Acquires and maintains competency in routine techniques, including Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.
• Assists with laboratory operations, including ordering and maintaining equipment and supplies.
• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in the analysis of data and in the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Complies with institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Assists with the installation, set up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• May assist 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.
• Performs other related work as needed.

• Vocational training, apprenticeships or equivalent experience in related field (degree not required).
• Knowledge and skills developed through 2‑5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, or related fields.

• Previous experience in a laboratory setting.
• At least two years of experience in performing cell cultures.
• Mouse handling, tissue harvest, and analysis.
• Performing and analyzing functional assays such as cell culture, Western blotting, qPCR, or immunofluorescence.
• Performing and analyzing molecular biology assays.

• Strong data management skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the Microsoft Suite, including Outlook.
• Understand complex documents, such as clinical trials.

• Interact and communicate with clarity, tact, and courtesy.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Handle competing demands with diplomacy and enthusiasm.
• Absorb large amounts of information quickly.
• Adaptability to changing working situations and work assignments.

• Navigate the UChicago campus.
• Some weekend hours.

• Resume/CV (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.

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.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not…