Research Specialist

Department

PME Tirrell Lab

The LaBelle and Tirrell research group at the Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering seeks a Research Specialist to support day‑to‑day lab operations and research activities. The Specialist will collaborate on cutting‑edge projects in immune modulation and intracellular drug delivery, performing techniques such as molecular cloning, cell culture (cell lines and primary cells), flow cytometry, and related laboratory procedures.

• Perform investigative procedures and operate instruments including plate readers, microscopes, PCR machines, and flow cytometers.
• Collaborate with students, scientists, researchers, programmers, and engineering teams.
• Contribute ideas that can lead to new experiments and research grant proposals.
• Help develop, design, and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Manage research‑related duties and tasks with moderate supervision.
• Document research efforts and software for sharing with the PI and lab members.
• Assist in disseminating research results in high‑impact journals and conferences.
• Conduct periodic training for current or new group members.
• Recognize abnormal results, communicate findings, and help investigate and correct problems.
• Ensure project compliance with institutional, state, and federal policies and procedures.
• Analyze and maintain data and/or specimens, conduct literature reviews, and assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Support recruiting and scheduling of research subjects; develop or amend study protocols, data collection tools, databases, and provide general administrative support.
• Perform other related work as needed.

College or university degree in a related field.

Knowledge and skills developed through less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (biology, immunology, chemistry, etc.).
• 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.
• Basic computer proficiency with laboratory equipment and a few coding languages.
• Knowledge of relevant scientific field, regulatory policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills with attention to detail.
• Demonstrated excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend scientific and technical literature and stay abreast of developments in the field.
• Work independently and collaboratively with other lab personnel.

• Laboratory environment.
• Occasional extensive reaches and grasps with arms and hands.
• Long periods of standing and/or sitting.
• Possible exposure to malodorous vapors, low dose radiation, contamination by toxic chemicals and acids, and presence of carcinogenic substances.

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 University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
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