Staff Scientist

Department BSD MGC - Ruthenburg Lab About the Department Collectively, members of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology are engaged in investigating molecular aspects of biological phenomena that operate on a cellular scale. Faculty research employs a combination of advanced microscopy, genetic analysis, and molecular characterization to study the temporal and spatial mechanisms that underlie the essential functions of cells and of their interactions with other cells that are necessary for the regular development of multicellular organisms. Faculty use many of the fields traditional model organisms in their work and are pushing into emerging model and non-model organisms that are proving uniquely valuable in particular studies. To learn more about our department, https://mgcb.uchicago.edu/about. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance. Job Summary The Staff Scientist will lead, execute, and support advanced technical and scientific research initiatives. This role involves performing and optimizing sequencing methodologies, as well as designing, testing, and interpreting hypotheses related to molecular and cellular biological function. The Staff Scientist will play a key role in advancing the understanding of biological systems through rigorous experimentation and data-driven insights, contributing to long-term research goals focused on understanding adaptive mechanisms across physiological and evolutionary timescales. This position requires a highly innovative thinker capable of driving the development and optimization of novel assays while integrating emerging technologies into existing workflows. Responsibilities Designs, develops, and optimizes assays, including next-generation sequencing approaches. Conducts experiments to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms. Develops and tests hypotheses, and translating findings into actionable insights. Presents work at scientific meetings and provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts. Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information. Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research. Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Competencies Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Ability to train others. Attention to detail. Organizational skills. Verbal and written communication skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks under performance and time-related stress. Working Conditions Lab Environment. Weekend/evening hours, occasionally. 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 No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 The included pay rate or range represents the Universitys good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting. Benefits Eligible 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. 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. The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637. The University of Chicago is an urban research university that has driven new ways of thinking since 1890. Our commitment to free and open inquiry draws inspired scholars to our global campuses, where ideas are born that challenge and change the world. We empower individuals to challenge conventional thinking in pursuit of original ideas. Students in the College develop critical, analytic, and writing skills in our rigorous, interdisciplinary core curriculum. Through graduate programs, students test their ideas with UChicago scholars, and become the next generation of leaders in academia, industry, nonprofits, and government. To learn more about the university click here http://www.uchicago.edu/