Research Analyst

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

7d•$50,000 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Carvill laboratory seeks a Research Analyst to become a member of the laboratory team. The laboratory is interested in the genetic causes of epilepsy and how pathogenic variants affect brain development and function. We perform discovery of the coding and non-coding genetic variants that underlie epilepsy, integrating genomic, computational, and stem cell-based approaches. We seek to understand how these genetic alterations translate into disease mechanisms in order to identify and test novel gene-targeted therapeutics. Individuals will work as part of a team to advance multidisciplinary projects, collaborating closely with clinicians and clinical staff at Comer Children’s and researchers in Human Genetics. It is expected that individuals in the Research Analyst position will develop independent competence in basic research approaches. The job provides both basic technical support activities and the opportunity for independent advancement of scientific research projects. Individuals in the. Research Analyst position are expected to work with a moderate level of guidance, to independently execute and troubleshoot established experimental protocols, and to contribute to the design and interpretation of assigned project components. The job combines hands on experimental work with responsibility for the execution and analysis of defined portions of scientific research projects. The primary goal of our research is to use gene discovery and molecular biology approaches to identify new treatments for epilepsy. We aim to identify the genetic causes of epilepsy and use stem cell models to understand how these genetic variants can cause epilepsy. Our work is based on the promise of precision medicine, where knowledge of an individual's genetic makeup shapes a personalized approach to care and management of epilepsy. The job performs routine assignments related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures. Writes articles, reports and manuscripts. Assist in drafting presentations on research findings.

Requirements

College or university degree in related field.
Less than 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
Laboratory research experience in molecular biology, genetics, or genomics, including academic, thesis, or internship experience.
Exposure to CRISPR based genome editing or lentiviral transduction.
Familiarity with next generation sequencing methods such as RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, or ChIP-seq.
Experience with mammalian cell culture.
Basic familiarity with command line tools or a scripting language such as R or Python.
Prior research experience in a genetics, genomics, or neuroscience setting.
Molecular biology techniques, including cloning, PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, and protein blotting.
Mammalian cell culture, including aseptic technique and maintenance of continuous cultures.
Familiarity with CRISPR based genetic engineering.
Lentiviral vector production and transduction.
Preparation and quality assessment of ChIP seq, ATAC seq, and RNA seq libraries.
Basic familiarity with bioinformatic analysis tools such as R, Python, or equivalent command line tools.
Protein interaction analysis using mass spectrometry and rapid protein degradation using degron systems.
Culture and neuronal differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells.
Attention to detail and accuracy when performing established laboratory procedures.
Organizational skills with the ability to complete assigned tasks and meet deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including clear communication of scientific methods and findings.
Ability to follow established protocols accurately, maintain complete laboratory documentation, and work effectively as part of a team.

Responsibilities

Performs molecular biology and genomics experiments according to established laboratory protocols including CRISPR based genome editing, lentiviral transduction, and culture and differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cell derived neuronal models.
Prepares and processes next generation sequencing libraries for ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq.
Performs primary quality control and reports inconsistent results to the principal investigator.
Runs established bioinformatics pipelines to process genomic and transcriptomic data and summarizes output for review.
Assists with rapid protein degradation experiments using degron systems and characterizes protein to protein interactions by mass spectrometry.
Participates in multidisciplinary projects with clinicians and clinical staff at Comer Children’s Hospital and with investigators in the Department of Human Genetics.
Performs laboratory research, generating high-quality and rigorous scientific data.
Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
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.
Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
Performs other related work as needed.