Temporary Research Assistant
Listed on 2026-01-12
-
Research/Development
Research Assistant/Associate, Research Scientist, Biology
Department
BSD E&E Carley Lab
About The DepartmentThe Department of Ecology & Evolution (E&E) hosts diverse faculty and student interests in the ecological and evolutionary processes that underlie patterns of life on earth. The research interests of our faculty include population genetics, molecular evolution, quantitative genetics, animal behavior, plant and animal ecology, evolutionary theory, systematic paleontology, and related subjects. A common theme in E&E is the application of quantitative techniques and current technologies to probe the conceptual foundations of ecology and evolution.
JobInformation
Temporary Research Assistant will assist with data collection, data analysis, and other research‑related tasks in the lab and greenhouse. The Research Assistant will be involved in data collection and preliminary analysis alongside a team of researchers.
Job SummaryTemporary Research Assistant will assist with data collection, data analysis, and other research-related tasks in the lab and greenhouse.
Responsibilities- Support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research, and analysis under direction.
- Performs data collection in support of research projects under direct supervision.
- Collects and enters data; assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
- Complies with institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
- Performs other related work as needed.
- Familiarity with principles, methods, and literature related to plant evolutionary genetics and chemical ecology of plant‑insect interactions.
- Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate with others, both on internal teams and with external partners.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to learn new lab protocols and apply them at scale (e.g. genotyping thousands of plants from existing tissue samples).
- High school diploma required.
- Bachelor's degree preferred.
- Prior experience with basic molecular biology wet lab skills including DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis preferred.
- Experience maintaining and handling living plant and insect collections preferred.
Physical Requirements
- Laboratory Environment.
- Greenhouse Environment.
- Resume
- Cover Letter
When applying, the document(s)
MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Weekly
Hours:
24
No
Health Screen RequiredNo
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry RequiredNo
Pay FrequencyHourly
Pay Rate TypeHourly
FLSA StatusNon-Exempt
Pay Range$24.00
Benefits EligibleThis position is not eligible for benefits.
Posting StatementThe University of Chicago is an equal 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 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
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