Research Professional

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

3d•$60,000 - $80,000

About The Position

The University of Chicago’s Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, seeks a full-time Research Professional to support the Applebaum Lab. The lab studies genomic and molecular mechanisms underlying high-risk neuroblastoma and seeks therapeutic targets and biomarkers to improve risk stratification and treatment selection. Its research includes epigenetic regulation, chromatin remodeling, biomarker development, functional genomics, and computational approaches to pediatric cancer research. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, the Research Professional participates in the design, execution, analysis, and interpretation of research studies in pediatric cancer biology. The role includes conducting experiments; collecting, managing, and analyzing data; contributing to research project development; and collaborating with investigators and research teams across academic organizations. Projects may span experimental biology, genomics, bioinformatics, and data science. The Research Professional works with the Principal Investigator and collaborators to develop research strategies, interpret findings, prepare scientific reports and presentations, and contribute to grant applications and peer-reviewed publications. The position also involves maintaining research records, preparing figures and reports, communicating findings, and potentially training students and research personnel. Employment is at will and wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding; continued employment depends on receipt of those funds and satisfactory performance. The position is based in a laboratory setting and is scheduled for 40 hours per week.

Requirements

PhD in a related field.
Knowledge and skills developed through less than two years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice To Haves

PhD in molecular biology, genetics, biochemistry, cancer biology, or a related life science or quantitative field.
Experience in an academic laboratory setting.
Hands-on experience with molecular and cellular biology techniques, such as CRISPR, CUT&RUN, and epigenetic or epitranscriptomic assays evaluating analytes such as 5mC, 5hmC, and m6A.
Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing experimental data using quantitative and statistical approaches, including data visualization.
Experience contributing to the design, optimization, or execution of research projects, including interpreting and troubleshooting results.
Experience maintaining accurate and detailed research records and following established protocols and safety standards.
Experience preparing scientific materials such as figures, data summaries, reports, abstracts, grants, or presentations.
Completed postdoctoral training with a strong publication record in relevant areas.
Proficiency in flow cytometry, mouse handling, and molecular biology and epigenetic methods.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

Conduct experiments and collect, manage, analyze, and interpret neuroblastoma research data using appropriate experimental, quantitative, computational, and statistical approaches.
Participate in the design, development, and advancement of research projects involving functional genomics, epigenetics, biomarkers, molecular biology, and clinical or patient-derived datasets.
Collaborate with the Principal Investigator and laboratory personnel to develop and implement research projects, coordinate activities, and advance research priorities.
Contribute to preparing and writing grant applications, protocols, manuscripts, abstracts, reports, figures, data summaries, and other scientific materials.
Provide scientific, technical, and analytical support to research projects and contribute to interpreting and evaluating findings.
May assist in training and mentoring students and research personnel in research methods, laboratory procedures, data analysis, and scientific practices.
Participate in preparing and writing grant applications and reports, and author or co-author scientific manuscripts.
Provide peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
Collaborate on developing research projects with academic and community-based organizations.
May present work at scientific meetings.
Perform other related work as needed.