Research Assistant

Department BSD PAT - Zemmour Lab About the Department The Department of Pathology has a long and rich history of excellence in clinical service, training, and research. Our physicians and scientists are experts in a variety of subspecialties in anatomic pathology, laboratory medicine, genomics and molecular pathology, investigational pathology, and immunology. Our diverse faculty study and diagnose patient disease and medical conditions using state-of-the-art methodologies. 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 We are looking for a Research Assistant to join an exciting new research group at The University of Chicago in the Biological Sciences Division and Pathology Department focusing on genomics and immunology research. The Research Assistant will perform experiments and belong to an interdisciplinary team of biologists, bioinformaticians, and physicians investigating human immunology in the context of immunological tolerance, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. The lab uses several cutting-edge tools in genomics (e.g. single-cell gene expression, spatial transcriptomics and proteomics, CRISPR screens) immunology (e.g. cell culture, flow cytometry) and pathology (immunohistochemistry, microscopy) on human tissues and relevant mouse models. We are looking for a team player, with strong organizational and multitasking abilities, who will work closely with several other research scientists inside and outside the lab. This position will work effectively within a culture inclusive of individuals with diverse backgrounds, styles, abilities, and motivations, and appreciate and leverage the capabilities, insights, and ideas of all individuals. Responsibilities Responsible for producing reagents that require days of preparation, including: Viral vector production: Preparing, purifying, and quantifying viral vectors for use in gene delivery and functional studies. Protein and antibody production: Assisting in the expression, purification, and quality control of proteins and antibodies. Conducts routine experiments that extend over multiple days, including: Flow cytometry: Staining and analyzing samples, preparing buffers, and maintaining flow cytometry equipment. Cell culture: Maintaining and expanding cell lines, preparing culture media, and performing transfections or infections as required. Multiplexed immunofluorescence. Patial transcriptomic experiments. Assists in managing the mouse colony, including: Breeding and genotyping. Experimental procedures: Assisting with injections, tissue harvests s as required. Maintains detailed records of breeding, genotyping, and experimental outcomes to support ongoing research projects. Provides administrative lab support by: Ordering reagents and supplies. Tracking expenses: Logging orders and expenses to stay within the allocated budget. Vendor communication: Contacting suppliers for quotes and technical support when necessary. Cleans and sterilizes lab equipment. Ensures that commonly used equipment (e.g., centrifuges, pipettes, incubators) is regularly calibrated and serviced. Coordinates with institutional facilities for maintenance and disposal of hazardous waste. Assists in preparing protocols for institutional review boards and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Maintains detailed lab notebooks and updates shared databases with experimental results. Helps with training new lab members on standard operating procedures and safety protocols. This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction. Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision. Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents. Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. Performs other related work as needed. Minimum Qualifications Education: Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree). Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Working Conditions Lab Environment. 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 Hourly FLSA Status Non-Exempt Pay Range $19.23 - $26.44 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/