The Gerrick Lab is a new laboratory in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Chicago. The Microbiology Department is a community of enthusiastic and collaborative researchers studying a wide array of exciting topics in microbiology. In the Gerrick Lab, we study the gut microbiome and how this diverse constellation of microorganisms impacts the host. We are interested in commensal protists, virtually unstudied members of the gut microbiota, and how these fascinating microbes remodel the intestinal landscape. Our work seeks to understand how, through interactions with bacteria and diet, commensal protists influence the immune system and impact the host’s susceptibility to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. To accomplish this, we employ cutting-edge microbiology and molecular biology techniques along with both conventional and gnotobiotic mouse models.
Job Summary
The Research Assistant will contribute to scientific research projects to advance our understanding of commensal protists in the gut microbiota, with opportunities to perform independent research projects under supervision of the Principal Investigator and other lab members. This position will also be involved with writing protocols and manuscripts, and drafting presentations on research findings. In addition, they will assist with organizational responsibilities within the lab. This position will ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates.
This position is ideal for a recent college graduate looking to expand their research training. As a founding member of a new lab, this position provides a unique opportunity for hands-on mentorship and training from the Principal Investigator. The applicant will also have close collaborations with other researchers in the Gerrick Lab and the rest of the Department of Microbiology.
Responsibilities
Be involved with planning, development, and execution of research in the laboratory.
With moderate supervision, conduct and interpret experiments involving techniques such as culture of anaerobic organisms, DNA extraction, PCR, bacterial transformation, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, RNA extraction, and RNA-Sequencing.
Assist in management of mouse colony (e.g. breeding and genotyping) and experiments.
Assist in organizing the laboratory (data, samples, supplies).
Work collaboratively with the team and collaborators.
Contribute to the writing of scientific manuscripts.
Conduct literature reviews.
Present results at regular group meetings.
Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
Performs other related work as needed.
Education
Minimum Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications
Preferred Qualifications
Experience
Experience with basic laboratory techniques.
Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and/or parasitology.
Experience working with laboratory animals.
Preferred Competencies
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Working Conditions
Lab environment.
Application Documents
Resume (required)
Cover Letter (preferred)
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
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
Yes
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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Seniority level
Entry level
Employment type
Other
Job function
Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries
Higher Education
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