Research Technical Assistant

University of Chicago

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Missiakas Research lab is part of the Department of Microbiology at the University of Chicago and investigates the basic principles of microbial interactions with their hosts. Research topics include the study of viral and bacterial pathogens to better understand disease outcomes and improve therapies. The Missiakas Lab also investigates the contribution of the microbiome in maintaining health and preventing disease, and to derive novel therapies. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance. The Research Technical Assistant provides technical support for scientific research projects. In this role, the individual is responsible for executing experiments, maintaining a detailed daily laboratory notebook, analyzing and summarizing data in written reports, and presenting research findings. Responsibilities include performing fundamental cell and molecular biology techniques, such as culturing bacterial and mammalian cells, cloning, and conducting genetic manipulations. Additional duties involve microscopy, biochemical assays, and protein purification.

Requirements

vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree)
knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Basic knowledge in molecular biology, microbiology.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or studying toward getting a bachelor’s degree.
Analytical skills.

Responsibilities

Perform basic cell and molecular biology experiments including growing bacterial and mammalian cultures, cloning, as well as performing genetic manipulations, microscopy, biochemistry, and purification of proteins.
Collaborate and communicate with other laboratory members.
Write concise research notes and reports.
Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
Collects and enters data.
Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
Performs other related work as needed.