Research Specialist

Research Specialist

The LaBelle and Tirrell research group at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is seeking a Research Specialist to support the day-to-day operational and research needs of a complex research project that involves working and supporting the research in the lab as needed. Under the direction of the PI, the Specialist will help get the lab started and apply cutting-edge approaches to develop next-generation immune modulation and intracellular drug delivery.

The selected candidate will contribute to a team in the performance of laboratory and investigative procedures by conducting a variety of experimental techniques such as molecular cloning, cell culture (cell lines and primary cells), and flow cytometry. Additionally, the Specialist will be expected to assist with managing day-to-day lab operations, perform general lab duties, and be a positive lab citizen.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a highly motivated candidate seeking in-depth experience in cutting-edge biomedical research.

Responsibilities:

• Performs various investigative procedures and operates a variety of instruments and other scientific equipment.
• Collaborates with internal and external students, scientists, researchers, programmers, and engineering teams.
• Contributes new ideas that can lead to new experiments and research grant proposals.
• Helps develop, design and conduct research projects, according to plan.
• With moderate supervision, manages research-related duties and tasks.
• Documents research efforts and software adequately for sharing with the PI and lab members.
• Helps disseminate research results in high-impact journals and conferences.
• Conducts periodic training for current or new members of the research group.
• Recognizes abnormal or potentially abnormal results and communicates about them and sets up procedures to investigate and correct problems.
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• 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. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

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

Preferred Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, immunology, chemistry.

Experience:

• Background with culture of mammalian cells, including tumor cell lines, primary immune cells, such as T cells, and/or stem cells.
• Background in flow cytometry and cell sorting.
• Understanding of immunology assays, such as cytotoxicity, cytokine secretion and general in vitro functional measurements of T cells.
• Background in fluorescence microscopy and imaging data analysis.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of basic programming in a few coding languages.
• Knowledge of relevant scientific field.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

Preferred

Competencies:

• Demonstrated problem-solving, organization, analytical and coordination skills including attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to read and comprehend scientific and technical literature, and methods to stay abreast of developments in the field.
• Work both independently and in collaboration with other lab personnel.

Working Conditions:

• Laboratory environment.
• Occasional extensive reaches and grasps with arms and hands.
• Long periods of standing and/or…