Research Professional

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

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 investigates genomic and molecular mechanisms underlying high-risk neuroblastoma, aiming to identify therapeutic targets and biomarkers that can improve risk stratification and guide treatment selection. Research areas include 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 will participate in designing, conducting, analyzing, and interpreting research studies in pediatric cancer biology. The role includes experimental, quantitative, computational, and statistical work; research data and dataset management; development and coordination of research projects; and collaboration with investigators and research teams across academic organizations. The Research Professional will also prepare scientific reports, presentations, grant materials, and publications, and contribute to the scientific productivity of the laboratory through independent and collaborative research. This is an at-will position wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding. Continued employment depends on continued receipt of grant funds and satisfactory job 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.
Experience collecting, managing, and analyzing experimental data using appropriate 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.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

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 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.

Responsibilities

Conduct experiments and collect, manage, analyze, and interpret neuroblastoma research data using appropriate experimental, quantitative, computational, and statistical approaches.
Participate in designing, developing, and advancing 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 the preparation and writing of grant applications, protocols, manuscripts, abstracts, reports, and other scientific materials, including figures and data summaries.
Provide scientific, technical, and analytical support to research projects and contribute to interpretation and evaluation of findings.
May train and mentor students and research personnel in research methods, laboratory procedures, data analysis, and scientific practices.
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.