Research Professional

About The Department

The central intellectual theme of our department is to understand the roles of genetics and epigenetics in patterning phenotypic variation in natural populations and in human evolution, health, and disease. We bring together faculty and students with diverse perspectives and expertise who are united by a shared passion for understanding genetic variation and drawing out the insights it can provide on gene regulatory mechanisms, evolutionary history, and health outcomes, across developmental stages and environmental contexts.

BSD HGD - Ober Lab

The central intellectual theme of our department is to understand the roles of genetics and epigenetics in patterning phenotypic variation in natural populations and in human evolution, health, and disease. We bring together faculty and students with diverse perspectives and expertise who are united by a shared passion for understanding genetic variation and drawing out the insights it can provide on gene regulatory mechanisms, evolutionary history, and health outcomes, across developmental stages and environmental contexts.

We foster collaborative research that integrates experimental discoveries with statistical modeling and bridges the gap between basic and translational research to ultimately inform strategies for precision medicine.

Research in the Ober Lab focuses on understanding the role of genetic variation and environmental exposures in shaping risk for asthma and allergic diseases, with the goal of identifying molecular targets for treatment or early intervention. To this end, we integrate genetic studies with gene expression and epigenetic marks (e.g., DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility) in cells that are relevant to asthma and allergy.

Our studies are primarily conducted in birth cohorts of children who are deeply characterized with respect to their environmental exposures and clinical outcomes in early life and childhood, or in cross-sectional cohorts recruited for specific studies. This position will engage in laboratory research activities to generate molecular data as well as in the analysis and interpretation of those data.

• Performs experiments and collects and analyzes data. Participates in the promotion of a research project.
• Participates in the preparation and writing of grant applications and reports, and co-authors/authors scientific research manuscripts. Provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Collaborates on development of new research projects with academic and community-based organizations.
• May present work at scientific meetings.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

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

• Bench experience with molecular genetic tools (e.g., RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, DNA methylation studies) and with long read sequencing platforms.
• At least one peer-reviewed publication in a related field.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain calm and courteous demeanor and to work productively despite heavy workload, competing priorities, complex problems, and tight deadlines.
• Excellent problem-solving skills required. Ability to use appropriate resources to resolve an issue.
• Ability to follow an issue through to resolution.
• Considerable skill in working both independently and as a team member.
• Ability to take initiative and organize and complete projects with minimal supervision.

• Research Lab setting.

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover letter (required)
• Names and contact information for 3 references (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender,…