Laboratory Research Analyst

Department

BSD DFI - Biobank
About the Department

The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) at the University of Chicago is using cutting-edge technologies and developing facilities to accelerate research and introduce novel interventions that optimize microbiome-mediated host defenses, with the goal of enhancing health. By developing new knowledge about the interactions between the human body and the microbiome, the DFI is breaking new ground that will lead to therapies that increase resistance to a wide range of diseases.
Job Summary

The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.
We are seeking a Laboratory Research Analyst who is enthusiastic about the microbiome and translational research to join the Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) Biobank team. Under the Sr. Bioprocess development manager, the Laboratory Research Analyst primary responsibility will be culturing, organization, and distribution of commensal human gut bacteria comprising the DFI’s symbiotic strain bank. Additional responsibilities will include microbiological characterization of these strains, including animal models, towards process development for cGMP manufacturing as live biotherapeutics.

Responsibilities

• Maintains inventory of symbiotic strain bank including media preparation, aseptic/anaerobic culturing, quality control, and quantification (gram stain, CFU, PCR, microscopy, MALDI-TOF).

• Physical and digital organization of strain bank inventory and distribution of strains to outside parties.

• Assists senior staff with SPF and germ-free mouse colonization models including gavage, sample collection, dissection, and sacrifice.

• Maintains laboratory equipment, such as anaerobic chambers, microbial plate readers, bioreactors, MALDI-TOF instruments, and microscopes, as well as ordering consumable inventory.

• Documents, compiles, and interprets scientific data; authors protocols and operating procedures.

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Installs, 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

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

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through
Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• College or University Degree in Microbiology, Chemical/Biological, or Biomedical Engineering.

Experience:

• Experience with basic laboratory techniques including nucleic acid  extraction, purification, and PCR amplification.

• Experience with aseptic technique to cultivate bacterial strains.

• Experience working in anaerobic chambers and/or glove boxes highly preferred.

• Experience processing and analyzing Sanger Sequencing results.

• Experience with handling mice.

• Experience with Windows-based operating systems and common software programs such as Microsoft Office suite and electronic lab notebooks (e.g. eLab).

• Basic competency and familiarity with bioinformatics tools (e.g. R-script).

Preferred Competencies

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong analytical and mathematical skills.

• Strong multi-tasking and time-management capabilities.

• Exceptional record keeping, organizational skills and attentiveness to details.

• Mature, reliable, and professional demeanor.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Adaptability skills and the desire to learn.

• Knowledge of regulatory policy and procedures.

• Knowledge of relevant scientific disciplines.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.

• Must have physical ability to move, connect and disconnect gas cylinders.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Research
Role Impact

Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours

40
Drug Test Required

No
Health Screen Required

Yes
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No
Pay Rate Type

Salary​
FLSA Status

Exempt​
Pay Range

$50,000.00 - $70,000.00The 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.

Benefits Eligible

YesThe 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.

Posting Statement

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.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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