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Staff Scientist

University of Chicago · Chicago, IL · $75,000–$90,000 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a grant or manuscript you edited. How did you improve it?

What they are checking: Whether they can do the scientific editing this role emphasizes, making the science clearer and stronger.

This role is described as contributing original, creative intellectual work. What scientific ideas would you bring?

What they are checking: Whether they are a scientist with their own ideas, not only an administrator.

Tell me about a time you balanced research with administrative responsibilities.

What they are checking: Whether they truly want the mix of editing, planning and science this role offers.

What would you do

How would you help manage the daily operations of a group with more than 15 researchers?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep a busy lab organized while supporting the science.

A graduate student's project is stuck. How would you help without taking it over?

What they are checking: Whether they can support trainees while respecting their ownership of the work.

How do you handle a conflict between two lab members over shared equipment or credit?

What they are checking: Whether they can resolve tension fairly in a busy research group.

About the work

The Moellering lab works on chemical probes and in-cell chemoproteomics. Tell me about your hands-on experience with mass spectrometry-based proteomics.

What they are checking: Whether they bring the specific technical depth the lab's research depends on.

How would you approach annual progress reports for the lab's grants?

What they are checking: Whether they understand what funders expect and how to gather it from many researchers.

What's your experience keeping animal use and safety protocols current?

What they are checking: Whether they understand IACUC and safety compliance, which the lab cannot operate without.

How would you help with the lab's financial planning?

What they are checking: Whether they can track budgets and plan spending across grants.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by University of Chicago.

Department PSD Chemistry: Moellering Group About the Department The Moellering group conducts research at the interface of Chemistry and Biology, with an eye towards understanding and intervening in human disease. We utilize techniques in synthetic chemistry, cell biology, and mass spectrometry to develop novel chemical probes, in-cell chemoproteomic platforms, and related technologies to study the dynamic interactions and complexity of the proteome and manipulate protein targets and their function. Ultimately our work helps to identify novel biological mechanisms underlying diseases, such as cancer, and to subsequently develop innovative diagnostic and therapeutic modalities to impact these disorders. Job Summary We are seeking a Staff Scientist to facilitate the day-to-day efforts to promote and assist with the research projects in the Moellering Lab. This position will help manage daily operations of a busy research group with 15+ researchers, including scientific editing, strategic and financial planning, annual progress reporting, and maintenance of safety and animal use protocols. The position may be attractive for those who wish to take on more scientific editing and administrative responsibilities in a stimulating academic research environment. Principal contributions are intellectual, characterized by originality and creativity. This role is ideal for those who have a demonstrated history in collaborative research, effective communication, the ability to follow standard protocols, and an aptitude for troubleshooting. Responsibilities • Develop, design, build, and maintain graphics for communicating research projects. • Compile documents and assists with interpreting experimental data and adjusting experimental protocols, including drafting presentations or reports stemming from scientific contributions in the laboratory. • Attend team meetings and participate in interpreting scientific data and strategic project planning. • Oversee and/or assist with mentoring trainees in effective scientific communication. • Interact with vendors to address equipment, reagent, or supply solutions, including working with all levels of staff to assist in evaluating new equipment. • Participate in the preparation and writing of grant applications and annual reports, and scientific research manuscripts. • Provide peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts. • Comply with the institution, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates. • Tracking project expenditures and research data management. • Manage lab safety checklists, schedules, lab duty lists, lab maintenance and cleanup schedules; orienting new lab members. • Conduct and schedule equipment repair calls. • Oversee lab materials and ordering of supplies, negotiate with vendors and manage maintenance of laboratory inventory. • Assists with website management. • Process GEMS reporting. • Host seminar speakers/visitors for the group and assist with workshops and collaborative meetings. • Duties include other administrative aspects of the research projects. • 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. • 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 in Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Biology, or related fields. Experience: • Significant relevant research experience, including postdoctoral experience. • Experience working in higher education, academic, or industrial research environment. • Experience and demonstrated proficiency in techniques across multiple fields, including analytical chemistry, quantitative proteomics, metabolomics, biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology. Technical Knowledge or Skills: • Knowledge of basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment. • Knowledge of relevant scientific fields. • Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures. Preferred Competencies • Knowledge in relevant scientific field required. • Problem-solving, organization, analytical, and coordination skills. • Attention to detail required. • Excellent verbal and written communication skills. • Ability to work independently and as a part of a team. • Excellent time management skills and the ability to handle multiple, concurrent tasks within deadlines with minimal supervision. • Ability to train others preferred. • Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Illustrator, and GraphPad Prism are a plus. Working Conditions • Standard research laboratory and office environments. Application Documents • Resume (required) • Cover Letter (required) • References (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 37.5 Drug Test Required No Health Screen Required No Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required No Pay Rate Type Salary ​ FLSA Status Exempt ​ Pay Range $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 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. 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.

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