Research Assistant (MGCB Post-Bac Scholar Program)

Department

BSD MGC - Administration

About the Department

The Post-Baccalaureate (Post-Bac) program in Cell, Developmental and Molecular Biology at the University of Chicago is designed to provide recent college graduates an immersive and rigorous research and career enrichment experience prior to pursuing a PhD or MD/PhD degree. MGCB Post-Bac Scholars will participate as full members of our collegial and interactive scientific community, gaining knowledge, experience and connections that will help launch successful scientific careers. More information can be found here - https://biosciences.uchicago.edu/graduate-programs/cdmb-postbac. This at-will position is wholly or partially funded by contractual grant funding which is renewed under provisions set by the grantor of the contract. Employment will be contingent upon the continued receipt of these grant funds and satisfactory job performance.

Job Summary

The Research Assistant in the MGCB Post-Bac Scholar Program will conduct cell biological, developmental biological, molecular genetic and/or genomic experiments in a basic research laboratory and will learn to design, execute and interpret experiments with increasing independence. Other responsibilities will include general lab management (ordering supplies, maintaining stocks, making solutions, general lab upkeep, etc.) and they will participate and present in weekly lab meetings and journal clubs.

Responsibilities

• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.

• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.

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

• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• 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).

Work Experience:

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

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, Math, Computer Science, Physics, Engineering, Bioinformatics, or related field.

Experience:

• Prior research experience.

​Preferred Competencies

• Duties are varied and require high organizational ability, careful record keeping, precise usage of instruments and ability to handle multiple tasks.

• Must be able to read scientific literature and keep abreast of technical development.

• Good manual dexterity with ability to perform fine motor tasks and to exert 10-20 pounds of force with hands.

• Ability to follow and modify protocols, an eagerness to learn, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment - Biosafety Level 1 facility.

• Weekend/Evening hours: When needed for continuity of experiments, flexibility in work schedule preferred.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

Job Family

Research

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$19.23 - $26.44

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, 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.

 

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.

 

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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