Research Technical Assistant

Department BSD MIC - Light Lab About the Department Part of the Department of Microbiology and the Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) at the University of Chicago, the Light Lab studies the hundreds of microbial species that inhabit the human gastrointestinal tract (the gut microbiota). Primarily taking genetic and biochemical approaches, the Light Lab is focused on addressing the role of microbial metabolism in healthy and diseased states. Job Summary The Light Lab is part of the Department of Microbiology and the Duchossois Family Institute at the University of Chicago. Our research addresses the role of the human gut microbiome in health and disease, with a particular focus on microbial metabolism. Gut bacteria generate small molecules that enter host circulation and influence host physiology, and our work seeks to determine which organisms carry out these conversions and how they contribute to conditions including type 2 diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease. The Research Analyst will work at the bench on funded projects alongside graduate students and postdoctoral scientists, with direct mentorship from the Principal Investigator. The role suits someone who intends to build a technical foundation in anaerobic microbiology and microbial biochemistry. 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. Responsibilities • Conduct a mentored scientific research project in collaboration with a senior member of the laboratory. • Support general laboratory operations, including reagent and consumable ordering, equipment maintenance scheduling, and chemical inventory management. • Ensure adherence to biosafety and chemical hygiene requirements. • Cultivate obligate anaerobic bacteria isolated from the human gastrointestinal tract using strict anaerobic techniques and anaerobic chambers. • Perform molecular cloning and bacterial genetics, including plasmid construction, targeted gene deletions, and generation of complementation strains. • Verify genetic constructs using PCR and sequence analysis. • Conduct biochemical and analytical work, including growth and metabolite production assays, recombinant protein preparation, enzyme activity measurements, and metabolite quantification by mass spectrometry. • Support mouse experiments, as applicable, including animal colonization, sample collection, and processing of intestinal contents and tissues. • 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: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Biological or Chemical Science. Experience: • Working wet-lab experiences in one of the following fields: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, or microbiology. • Fundamental pipetting and solution-preparation skills, baseline computer literacy for data entry. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Working Conditions • Lab environment, including wet laboratory and animal laboratory. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (preferred) The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions. 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 University’s 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. 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