Department

BSD CCC - Metabolomics Platform

About the Department

The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is an integral component of the Biological Sciences Division (BSD). The BSD is the largest of four Divisions of the University and includes the Pritzker School of Medicine. UCCCC administers four established scientific programs, and the NCI-sponsored Cancer Center Support Grant provides funding for ten Shared Resources. The Comprehensive Cancer Center is comprised of over 150 faculty members from twenty departments with members currently being awarded over $47 million in total direct costs in peer-reviewed cancer research grants, and $28 million in non-peer reviewed grants and contracts. The activities of the Center are broad and varied, including research, training and education, communications, fundraising, marketing, clinical trials management and community outreach.

UCCCC has one of the largest cancer clinical trials programs in the country and in the Chicago area with nearly 500 adult and pediatric therapeutic trials actively accruing patients. Many of these studies are investigator-initiated, including Phase I or I/II trials, demonstrating UCCCC commitment to translate basic research findings to the clinic through proof-of-principle and early phase studies. UCCCC opens over 250 new trials each year and accrues approximately 900 participants to therapeutic trials each year.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is an integral component of the Biological Sciences Division (BSD). The BSD is the largest of four Divisions of the University and includes the Pritzker School of Medicine. UCCCC administers four established scientific programs, and the NCI-sponsored Cancer Center Support Grant provides funding for ten Shared Resources. The Comprehensive Cancer Center is comprised of over 150 faculty members from 20 departments with members currently being awarded over $47 million in total direct costs in peer-reviewed cancer research grants, and $28 million in non-peer-reviewed grants and contracts. The activities of the Center are broad and varied, including research, training and education, communications, fundraising, marketing, clinical trials management, and community outreach.

The UCCCC’s metabolomics platform is part of a new BSD multi-omics facility. The Metabolomics Platform’s mission is to provide both: (1) cutting-edge metabolomics services and (2) expertise in metabolomics research development and experimental design to researchers in the Division, the University, and the Chicago area. The platform has 3 of the latest generation of high-resolution orbitrap Tribrid mass spectrometers (2-IQX and one IDX). We are seeking a research technician to aid in the facility's advancement, establish metabolite profiling methods using state-of-the-art liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry systems, and perform routine metabolite sample preparation and analysis. Over time, research technicians will become experts in metabolite extraction from a wide variety of sample matrices, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method development and troubleshooting, quantitative analysis of metabolites, stable isotope tracing, and metabolomics data analysis. We have 3 of the latest generation of high-resolution orbitrap Tribrid mass spectrometers (2 IQX and one IDX).

The job provides technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

• Extracts metabolites from samples and quantify concentration using LCMS.

• Will analyze mass spec/metabolomics data using specialized software programs.

• Documents sample preparation, method development notes, and data analysis results for the publication and reports.

• Prepares mobile phases, stock solutions, troubleshoot process failures and participate in optimization of protocols and maintain inventory of lab supplies.

• Interacts with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the metabolomics platform director.

• Analyzes and maintain data and/or specimens. Conduct literature reviews. Assists with the preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Aids metabolomics platform director in advancing the technologies and managing day-to-day workflow Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships or the equivalent experience in related field (not typically required to have a four-year degree).

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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:

• Degree in chemistry, biochemistry, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering or related field.

Experience:

• Prefer Hands on experience with basic chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques (GC-MS or LC-MS, LC-MS/MS).

• Experience working in a research laboratory or core facility.

• Prior experience working with Thermo LC-MS instrument is a plus, but not required.

• Proficiency in the use of computers and related software programs.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover letter (preferred)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

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