Senior Research Analyst

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Duchossois Family Institute (DFI) at the University of Chicago is using cutting-edge technologies and developing facilities to accelerate clinical research and introduce novel interventions that optimize microbiome-mediated host defenses, with the goal of enhancing human health. By developing new knowledge about the interactions between the human body and the microbiome, the DFI is breaking new ground in therapies that will increase resistance to a wide range of diseases. The job participates in 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. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings. The Sr. Research Analyst is an individual contributor in the DFI, recognized for subject matter expertise and serving as a resource to colleagues, reporting to the Sr. Bioprocess Development Manager. This role is pivotal in the microbial characterization of symbiotic commensal bacterial strains for manufacturing as a live biotherapeutic product in early-stage clinical development.

Requirements

A college or university degree in related field.
2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Physically capable of moving, connecting, and disconnecting gas cylinders.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Windows-based operating systems and common software programs such as Microsoft Office suite and electronic lab notebooks (e.g. eLab).
Experience cultivating, characterizing, and preserving anaerobic microorganisms.
Experience working with and maintaining anaerobic chambers and glove boxes.
Experience in bacterial kinetics, bioreactor operation, microscopy, MALDI-TOF, and gnotobiotic mouse models.
Experience working with mice.
Familiarity with bioinformatics tools (e.g. R-script).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical and mathematical skills.
Exceptional multi-tasking and time-management skills.
Exceptional record keeping, organizational skills, and meticulous attention to detail.
Mature, reliable, and professional demeanor.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
Adaptable to changing working situations and assignments.
Strong desire to learn.
Ability to train others.
Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Trains and mentors new junior laboratory staff to ensure effective planning and execution; contributes to the development of laboratory policies, procedures, and methods for experimentation; and supports risk assessment and management activities.
Contributes to the development and validation of novel laboratory research methods, including defined gut microbiome mediums, bacterial growth kinetics, bioreactor optimization, and metabolomic and metagenomic characterization of commensal bacterial strains.
Supports the creation of new analytical approaches for live biotherapeutic products, including MALDI-TOF analyses of multi-species consortia.
Ensures adherence to institutional and regulatory policies and procedures.
Maintains laboratory equipment, such as anaerobic chambers, microbial plate readers, bioreactors, MALDI-TOF instruments, and microscopes.
Conducts gnotobiotic and SPF mouse experiments, including oral gavage, intravenous injections, dissections, and fecal collection.
Leads organization and management of the symbiotic strain bank freezer inventory and fulfills commensal bacterial strain requests for internal and external stakeholders, including receipt and dispatch of biological shipments.
Documents, compiles, and helps interpret experimental research data; assists in preparing presentations, SOPs and scientific reports based on laboratory findings.
Handles ordering and procurement of laboratory supplies.
Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project.
With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks.
Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments.
Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
Performs other related work as needed.