Department

PME Esser-Kahn Lab

About the Department

The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) was established in May 2019, having evolved from the Institute for Molecular Engineering, which was founded in 2011. PME integrates science and engineering to address global challenges from the molecular level up. PME's rigorous academic and research programs are made possible in part through the University of Chicago's unique partnership with Argonne National Laboratory, which constitutes an important aspect of PME's operations. The Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering is the first new school at the University of Chicago in three decades and the first school in the nation dedicated to molecular engineering. In the next phase of growth as a School, PME will continue to expand its team of world-class faculty researchers and empower students from diverse backgrounds to collaborate with faculty in cutting-edge facilities. PME aims to bring solutions for urgent societal problems to the forefront while training the next generation of scientific leaders and entrepreneurs.

Job Summary

The Esser-Kahn Research Lab is seeking an experienced Research Specialist with a background and interest in immunology and adjuvants. The ideal candidate will work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator, Postdoctoral Researchers, and students of the research lab. The candidate will also be responsible for all aspects of the lab research projects and research facilities, including developing experimental or computational approaches to investigate the discovery of T-cell activation, immunology, and adjuvant. The successful candidate will support computational and/or experimental work in our group and play a key role in characterizing how the immune system functions to manipulate it in health and disease.

Responsibilities

• Develops, designs, and conducts research projects according to plan including collecting, analyzing, and maintaining data and/or specimens.
• Contributes original ideas and concepts to solve complex technical problems, explores new areas of applications in pursuit of innovative technological solution to unmet market needs through an interdisciplinary approach.
• Stays abreast on the latest development of comprehensive knowledge in the relevant research areas. Effectively articulates ideas, participates and/or coordinates in developing grant proposals.
• Independently interprets research data, develops conclusions and communicates the findings to stakeholders through effective oral and written communication.
• Publishes scholarly papers in peer-reviewed journals and gives presentations at scientific meetings.
• Effectively interacts and communicates with an integrated team of researchers from a broad range of disciplines.
• Leads research projects and provides supervision to graduate and undergraduate students if needed.
• 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 non-laboratory duties: transcribing and coding data; developing data collection instruments; presenting research; and recruiting and scheduling research subjects. Acquires higher-level skills and knowledge in the process.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or above in a field relevant to the research being conducted, such as biology, chemistry, engineering, physics, or related fields.

Experience:

• A minimum of two years of significant relevant research experience but job training will be available.
• Experience working in higher education, academic or industrial research environment.
• Experience in conducting research experiments of cell culture, western-blot, PCR, Flowcytometry, and mouse xenograft implantation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in techniques across multiple fields, including molecular and cellular biology (DNA/RNA isolation, PCRs, gene expression, immunostaining, protein blotting, cell culture, developing disease models in mice, etc.).

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Basic computer proficiency including computer programs and standard laboratory equipment.
• Knowledge of relevant scientific fields.
• Knowledge of research techniques or methods for stem cell biology, stem cell differentiation technology, and cancer research.
• Knowledge of regulatory policies and procedures.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

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