Staff Scientist

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Staff Scientist will lead research on engineering microorganisms for therapeutic use, focusing on microbial platforms that deliver therapeutic molecules, including applications in cancer immunotherapy. The role involves developing genetic engineering tools, designing and evaluating engineered strains, investigating their interactions with mammalian hosts, and conducting molecular biology, microbiology, and preclinical experiments to assess function, efficacy, and mechanisms of action. The ideal candidate is an independent and innovative researcher who can develop experimental approaches, analyze complex datasets, collaborate across disciplines, and contribute to publications and grant proposals. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding that is renewed under the grantor’s provisions. Continued employment depends on receipt of those grant funds and satisfactory job performance. The position is an individual-contributor role in the Department of Microbiology, Biological Sciences Division, in a wet-lab environment. It is scheduled for 40 hours per week and is salary-based, exempt, and benefits-eligible.

Requirements

PhD in a related field.
Two to five years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Ability to independently plan, organize, and carry out complex research projects.
Ability to communicate scientific findings clearly through publications, presentations, and written reports.
Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary research teams and train laboratory personnel.

Nice To Haves

Postdoctoral researcher training.
Prior experience writing and preparing manuscripts.
Strong knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology, synthetic biology, and microbial genetic engineering.
Experience with anaerobic microbial cultivation, genetic manipulation, and characterization of engineered microorganisms.
Experience with recombinant protein expression, protein secretion, and molecular and biochemical assays.
Knowledge of mammalian cell culture, host–microbe interactions, and preclinical animal models, including tumor models.
Strong skills in experimental design, troubleshooting, quantitative data analysis, and scientific interpretation.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize genetic engineering tools and experimental assays for anaerobic microorganisms, including Bifidobacterium species.
Engineer microbial strains for controlled gene expression, therapeutic protein production and secretion, and targeted delivery of biological therapeutics.
Design and conduct molecular biology, microbiology, and cell-based experiments to characterize engineered microbial functions and host–microbe interactions.
Develop and execute preclinical studies using animal models to evaluate microbial colonization, therapeutic efficacy, and host responses.
Develop and test scientific hypotheses, analyze experimental data, and interpret findings to guide ongoing research.
Collaborate with interdisciplinary research teams to develop and evaluate novel microbial therapeutics.
Collect data and perform analyses as a research resource.
Contribute scientific and intellectual information to facilitate and promote research projects.
Review laboratory protocols and provide training on new techniques.
Manage complex research datasets.
Lead contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
Train new laboratory personnel.
Perform other related work as needed.