Research Professional

Department
BSD PAT - Chervonsky Lab

About the Department
The Pathology Department at the University of Chicago is an interdisciplinary department that studies the pathogenesis of disease across different disease types. Faculty include basic scientists, clinicians, and translational researchers.

Job Summary
The Research Professional will work with Drs. Kreslavsky and Chervonsky on projects related to the biology of innate-like lymphocytes (see You et al, Nat Immunol, 2024 (PMID: 38992254); Ye et al, Science, 2026 (PMID: 42462026)) and regulation of humoral immune responses (Rauschmeier et al, J Exp Med. 2022 (PMID: 34919144); Glaros et al, Immunity, 2021 (PMID: 34525339)). Working with the Principal Investigators, the Research Professional independently designs and conducts complex experiments, develops and optimizes research methodologies, analyzes and interprets scientific data, and leads assigned components of research projects. This role contributes to scientific publications, presentations, protocols, and grant related activities and provides technical guidance and mentorship to laboratory personnel. The Research Professional also serves as a scientific resource and contributes to the advancement of the laboratory's research objectives. Depending on the candidate's interests and performance, there will be many opportunities to learn new experimental techniques, take on increasing scientific responsibility, and lead independent research projects.


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.

Responsibilities

• Independently designs, conducts, and evaluates complex experiments related to innate-like lymphocytes, humoral immune responses, and other areas of laboratory research.
• Analyzes and interprets complex experimental data, identifies scientific implications, and makes recommendations regarding experimental approaches and future research activities.
• Develops, optimizes, modifies, and documents laboratory protocols, methodologies, and experimental techniques.
• Independently troubleshoots experimental challenges and determines appropriate modifications to research methods and procedures.
• Performs advanced biological and molecular laboratory techniques, which may include flow cytometry, cell culture, molecular biology techniques, mouse handling and experimentation, and bioinformatics analysis.
• Independently leads assigned components of research projects, including experimental design, selection and modification of methodologies, interpretation of findings, troubleshooting, and recommendations regarding future research direction.
• Prepares and contributes to scientific manuscripts, presentations, protocols, publications, and grant related materials.
• Trains and mentors students, research staff, and other laboratory personnel on research techniques, protocols, and laboratory procedures.
• Serves as a scientific and technical resource to laboratory personnel and contributes to collaborative scientific discussions and research planning.
• Participates in laboratory meetings, journal clubs, scientific presentations, and other activities supporting the development and dissemination of research findings.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Facilitates and promotes a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Develops laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage, analyze and make recommendations on complex data sets for research.
• Creates first drafts for scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a PhD in related field.

Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Advanced training in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a closely related scientific field.

Experience:

• Conducting independent research in immunology, molecular biology, cell biology, or a related field.
• Background with one or more of the following techniques of flow cytometry, cell culture, mouse handling and experimentation, molecular biology techniques, and bioinformatics or computational analysis.
• Designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting complex laboratory experiments.
• Analyzing and interpreting complex experimental data.
• Preparing scientific manuscripts, presentations, protocols, or grant related materials.

Preferred Competencies

• Advanced knowledge of scientific research methods, experimental design, and laboratory techniques.
• Independently design, conduct, troubleshoot, and evaluate complex experiments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex research data.
• Develop and optimize laboratory protocols and research methodologies.
• Strong scientific writing and verbal communication skills.
• Prepare and present research findings to scientific and technical audiences.
• Train, mentor, and provide technical guidance to laboratory personnel.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple research activities and priorities.
• Work independently while effectively collaborating within multidisciplinary research teams.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate research documentation.

Working Conditions

• Laboratory environment involving biological materials, chemicals, and research equipment.
• Regular interaction with and handling of laboratory mice.
• Requires use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to laboratory safety protocols.
• May require occasional work outside standard business hours based on experimental or animal care needs.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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

Scheduled Weekly Hours
40

Drug Test Required
No

Health Screen Required
Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No

Pay Rate Type
Salary

FLSA Status
Exempt

Pay Range
$80,000.00 - $100,000.00
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 View phone number on click.appcast.io 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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