Summary

The Section of Gastroenterology is looking for a Research Technician interested in the field of mucosal immunology and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) to work with the group of Dr. McDonald. His group is working on projects aimed at understanding host and microbial factors that contribute to IBD pathogenesis and response to therapy. These projects entail working with patient samples obtained from IBD patients. The candidate will be in charge of all aspects of sample processing and storage and will work closely with clinical research coordinators charged with sample acquisition. In addition, the candidate should have skills in molecular biology to perform the preparation of libraries for RNA-sequencing, in tissue processing for microscopy, and in cellular immunology to perform and assist with immunology experiments that involve cell isolation, cytokine-based assays, and flow cytometry. Finally, the candidate will participate in laboratory meetings regarding current research and other lab activities and will assist with organizing the laboratory and ordering supplies.

Job description

Job Summary

The Section of Gastroenterology is looking for a Research Technician interested in the field of mucosal immunology and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) to work with the group of Dr. McDonald. His group is working on projects aimed at understanding host and microbial factors that contribute to IBD pathogenesis and response to therapy. These projects entail working with patient samples obtained from IBD patients. The candidate will be in charge of all aspects of sample processing and storage and will work closely with clinical research coordinators charged with sample acquisition. In addition, the candidate should have skills in molecular biology to perform the preparation of libraries for RNA-sequencing, in tissue processing for microscopy, and in cellular immunology to perform and assist with immunology experiments that involve cell isolation, cytokine-based assays, and flow cytometry. Finally, the candidate will participate in laboratory meetings regarding current research and other lab activities and will assist with organizing the laboratory and ordering supplies.

Responsibilities

Isolate and freeze cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells and intestinal biopsies.
Perform RNA isolation, and library preparation for RNA sequencing.
Perform flow cytometry experiments and Elisa.
Performs tissue processing for microscopy.
Perform and assist with immunology experiments under supervision of principal investigator, postdoctoral researcher or graduate student.
Collects, records, and analyzes data.
Participates in presentation, manuscript, and grant proposal preparation.
Participates in laboratory meetings regarding current research and other lab activities.
Assists with organizing laboratory and ordering supplies.
Maintains a safe environment for others and self; adheres to safety policies and procedures.
Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens.
Conducts literature reviews.
Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. 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 in biology or related field. Experience: Experience in flow cytometry, microscopy, molecular biology, or genomics. Experience with human samples.

Preferred Competencies

Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Basic immunology coursework.
Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.
Effective time-management skills.

Requirements

College or university degree in related field
Knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline
Bachelor's degree in biology or related field
Experience in flow cytometry, microscopy, molecular biology, or genomics
Experience with human samples
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Basic immunology coursework
Adaptability and willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities
Effective time-management skills

Benefits

Health insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off

Company overview

The University of Chicago is a world-renowned private research university founded in 1890 and located in Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood. As a premier academic institution, it operates one of the most comprehensive biomedical research enterprises in the United States through its Biological Sciences Division, which includes over 1,100 faculty members across 10 basic science and 14 clinical departments. The university manages extensive research infrastructure including the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, multiple specialized research institutes, and maintains affiliations with Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory. With research funding exceeding $450 million annually and more than 3,300 patents filed since 1987, the institution is a global leader in scientific discovery and innovation. The Biological Sciences Division alone supports over 500 research-active faculty who secure an average of $588,000 in NIH funding per principal investigator, focusing on areas including cancer biology, immunology, microbiology, molecular metabolism, neuroscience, and evolutionary biology. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary research and its unique position as manager of national laboratories creates unparalleled opportunities for translational research and scientific advancement.