Research Technician

Job Summary

The Research Technician will join the University of Chicago Department of Microbiology, supporting the Randall Laboratory's investigations into virus-host interactions. Working under the moderate direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Technician will execute daily laboratory experiments in support of viral and molecular studies focused on medically important RNA viruses such as hepatitis C, dengue, Zika, and norovirus.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory Experiments: Under PI's moderate level of direction, apply research principles and setup and execute daily experiments including cell culture, molecular cloning, PCR, DNA/RNA extraction, gel electrophoresis for viral and molecular studies; recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems.
• Animal Colony Management: Maintain small rodent (primarily mouse) colonies including breeding, genotyping, phenotyping and general husbandry or treatments.
• Data collection and Management: Collect, analyze, and maintain research data, records, and biological specimens; and develop data collection instruments.
• Laboratory Operations: Manage inventory, order lab supplies and reagents, receive shipments, and maintain equipment.
• Compliance and Safety: Ensure the lab complies with institutional, state and federal regulatory safety policies and mandates.
• Administration and Collaborative Support: Conduct literature reviews, assist in preparing reports or manuscripts, and help train incoming students and/or new lab personnel; presenting research.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data.
• Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• May assist recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support.
• Is developing skills in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Biological or Chemical Science. Experience: Experience with basic microbiology laboratory techniques including aseptic, microbial culturing and inoculation, isolation, straining method, microcopy, and biochemical testing. Experience working with animals.

Preferred Competencies

Ability to design and interpret complex experiments, synthesize data across multiple systems, and translate findings into testable hypotheses.

Working Conditions

Lab environment.