Staff Scientist

Department BSD OBG - Lengyel Lab About the Department The Kenny/Lengyel laboratory is part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology/ Section of Gynecologic Oncology, studying the biology of ovarian cancer. The laboratory has about 15 members investigating the role of metabolism and methyltransferases in ovarian cancer metastasis. We use a variety of cutting-edge methods, including spatial proteomics, spatial metabolomics, 3D organotypic cultures of human tissue, spatiotemporal characterization of the immune system, and stable-isotype tracing in patients. Bioinformatic support and access to all Core facilities at the University of Chicago are available in the laboratory. Our translational research laboratory is in the Center for Integrated Science, a research building on campus that houses 40 independent research groups. 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 focus of the job is to oversee a subgroup in the laboratory dedicated to developing novel biomarkers, including methylation markers and protein signatures, for early detection, therapy monitoring, and diagnosis of a recurrence in cancer patients. A real-time database containing the clinicopathologic information is maintained for every blood sample collected from patients. Presently, we have collected blood from over 3,000 patients with or without gynecologic cancers. The goal is to develop an FDA-approved biomarker test for clinical application. Responsibilities Train and supervise new laboratory personnel in the biomarker research group. Review laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Lead collaborative efforts to optimize experimental techniques for biomarker detection. Oversee standard operating procedures and assesses quality control measures to ensure high-quality analytes (DNA, plasma, serum). Serve as the lead contact for collaborations with outside institutions for validation cohorts. Manage collection and analysis of complex experimental datasets, including but not limited to clinical data, omic datasets, longitudinal studies, and other types of quantitative or qualitative data as needed for research projects and goals. Compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies. Contribute to writing, proofreading, and fact-checking papers and presentations. Maintain databases linking clinical information to biospecimens (REDCap, MS ACCESS), including validation of data entry. Prepare sample collection progress reports (acquisition, overview, distribution of histologies, and other factors as needed/ appropriate). Lead the scientific writing of protocols (IRB), publications, and grants (both federal and non-federal). Write study protocols, including study design, consent forms, schema, study flyers, and amendments. Report study enrollment on human subject research in accordance with NIH and FDA guidelines in preparation for FDA submission. 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. Trains new laboratory personnel. 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 Qualifications Education: PhD, MD, or equivalent doctoral degree in systems biology, molecular biology, cancer biology, biochemistry, chemical or biomedical engineering. Experience: One year or more of relevant research experience. A background in cancer and cell biology. Knowledge and experience working with basic statistics. Experience using REDCap software. Experience with Assay development, quality control, and developing standard procedures. Preferred Competencies Ability and experience in training others. Knowledge in one or more relevant scientific fields. Proficient in research techniques or methods. Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures. Analytical skills. Problem-solving skills. Strong attention to detail. Organizational skills. Verbal and written communication skills. Work independently and as part of a team. Proficient in Microsoft Office. 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 Yes Health Screen Required Yes Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary FLSA Status Exempt Pay Range $64,000.00 - $92,000.00 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 Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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. Staff 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. We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. 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