Research Technician

Research Technician

The Dickinson research group is driven by the idea that chemistry is the key to unlocking biology. We design and evolve functional molecules from the ground up, creating tools to probe, control, and engineer biological systems, opening new frontiers in both basic science and biotechnology.

The Research Technician will support ongoing research projects in genetically encoded library construction and maintenance, high-throughput screening, and novel screening method development. The successful candidate will conduct molecular biology and biochemistry experiments, assist with screening, assay optimization and troubleshooting, manage laboratory workflows, and maintain detailed experimental records. This position is well-suited for a detail-oriented, organized individual eager to gain experience in a fast-paced research environment at the intersection of biochemistry, chemical biology, and technology development.

• Perform routine and advanced molecular biology experiments, including molecular cloning and large-scale genetically encoded library construction and maintenance.
• Execute high-throughput screening experiments.
• Perform biochemical assays for molecular interaction characterization.
• Conduct cell-based assays for intracellular validation of screening hits.
• Prepare buffers, reagents, and experimental materials; maintain accurate records of reagent preparation and sample processing.
• Maintain complete and accurate laboratory notebooks (paper or electronic), ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Contribute to data organization, preliminary analysis, figure preparation, and summary reports for internal lab use.
• Collaborate with graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and other lab members to support shared research.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

Work Experience:

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

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemical biology, chemistry, or a related field.

Experience:

• Hands-on laboratory experience (academic or industry).
• Proficiency in core molecular biology techniques such as pipetting, PCR, gel electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, and basic cloning.
• Experience with maintaining accurate experimental records and following lab protocols with consistency.

Technical Knowledge or

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a research environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, especially for multi-step protocols and sample tracking.

• Prior experience working with display technologies (e.g., phage display, mRNA display, or related platforms).
• Experience with biomolecular interaction characterization (e.g., SPR, BLI, or FP).
• Experience with mammalian tissue or cell culture.
• Familiarity with protein design, structure prediction tools, and molecular visualization software (e.g., PyMOL, ChimeraX).

• This is a full-time position based in a research laboratory environment. The role includes careful work, handling of biological samples, and adherence to laboratory safety practices.

• A brief cover letter describing research interests and relevant experience (required)
• Resume (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.

Research

Individual Contributor

37.5

Hourly

Non-Exempt

$24.62 - $26.67

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.

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 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…