Visiting Research Specialist - Natural Sciences

University of Illinois Chicago•Chicago, IL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Visiting Research Specialist in Natural Sciences will provide technical and research support in a Department of Psychiatry laboratory at the University of Illinois Chicago investigating neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity, and mechanisms relevant to psychiatric disorders. The laboratory uses human pluripotent stem cells, cortical organoids, and other cell-based models to study how developmental and environmental perturbations influence neural development and function. The role works under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and collaborates with other laboratory personnel on ongoing research projects. The position focuses primarily on hands-on laboratory research, including mammalian cell culture; maintenance of human pluripotent stem-cell cultures; generation and maintenance of human cortical organoids and other cell-based models; experimental treatments and sample collection; and molecular, cellular, imaging, and biochemical assays. The specialist also helps optimize and troubleshoot experimental protocols and prepare samples for downstream analyses. Additional work includes preparing media and reagents; maintaining supplies, inventories, shared materials, and equipment; coordinating routine equipment maintenance; maintaining laboratory organization and compliance with institutional research and safety procedures; collecting, organizing, and preliminarily processing experimental data; and maintaining accurate research records and documentation. The position also supports organization of data and materials for analysis, presentation, and scientific reports and manuscripts, and may include other related duties and special projects. This is a full-time, on-site position in Chicago, Illinois. The stated annual wage range is $50,000 to $55,000. The position is intended to be eligible for benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life insurance; a retirement plan; paid time off; and tuition waivers for employees and dependents. The start date is flexible.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in science or a related field.
At least 3 years of related research experience.
At least 2 years of bench laboratory work experience.
Experience with cell culture management.
Experience with qPCR.
Experience with confocal imaging.
Ability to process and apply comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices, and methods.
Proficiency in specific laboratory research techniques.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in science.
Experience with stem-cell culture.
Strong interest in neuroscience, stem-cell biology, neurodevelopment, or related biomedical research.
Prior hands-on experience with mammalian cell culture.
Experience with human pluripotent stem cells, three-dimensional cell culture or organoids, immunofluorescence microscopy, molecular biology, or related laboratory techniques.

Responsibilities

Perform hands-on laboratory experiments supporting research in neurodevelopment and psychiatric disease.
Maintain human pluripotent stem-cell cultures and generate and maintain human cortical organoids and other cell-based models.
Conduct experimental treatments and sample collection, and perform molecular, cellular, imaging, and biochemical assays.
Assist with optimizing and troubleshooting experimental protocols and preparing samples for downstream analyses.
Prepare media and reagents; maintain laboratory supplies and inventories; organize shared laboratory materials and equipment; and coordinate routine equipment maintenance.
Help maintain laboratory organization and comply with applicable institutional research and safety procedures.
Collect, organize, and perform preliminary processing of experimental data.
Maintain accurate and timely experimental records, protocols, sample inventories, and other research documentation.
Organize data and experimental materials for analysis, presentation, and preparation of scientific reports and manuscripts.
Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.