Research Technologist II

Research Technologist II

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

Location

Simpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center

Job Description

General Summary:

The Research Technologist II will perform lab work in the Akhtar Laboratory within the Host-Microbial Interactions, Inflammation, and Immunity (HMI3) Neighborhood in the Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute at Lurie Children's Hospital. The focus of the Akhtar laboratory is to understand the interaction between viruses and the pediatric brain. To achieve this goal, the lab employs a diverse range of approaches, including animal models, cell culture models, molecular biology, and genome sequencing. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to ongoing clinically relevant research in the laboratory, which addresses how variations within the viral genome contribute to different neurological outcomes and identifies critical components of defense in the pediatric brain against viral infection. This position will provide a strong foundation for individuals contemplating continued training in medical or graduate school.

The successful candidate will conduct experiments to support research in the laboratory, including viral infection of animals and cells, viral plaque assays, nucleic acid and protein isolation, PCR, immunoblotting, viral genome sequencing, generation of viral mutants, and microscopy techniques. Additionally, the candidate will be asked to record and interpret results, organize data, and prepare short reports to be discussed with the Principal Investigator. Finally, the Research Technician will spend a portion of their time performing basic laboratory maintenance tasks, including cataloging and organizing laboratory reagents, inventorying and ordering laboratory supplies, preparing chemical solutions for laboratory use, and performing routine maintenance on laboratory equipment. It is anticipated that successful projects in which the technician participates will lead to authorship on scientific manuscripts

Essential Job Functions:

• Support scientific research, analysis, and experimentation by performing various laboratory tasks. Following protocols, designs and sets-up and conducts basic experiments.
• Analyzes and troubleshoots protocols and data obtained from individual experiments and recommends alternatives and suggestions to improved processes, validity and accuracy.
• Maintains detailed records of results which may include collecting, extracting and entering data. Manipulates, interprest and/or presents results.
• Prepares charts and graphs for presentations and publications.
• Performs scientific literature searches in support of research.
• Completes portions of grant applications, manuscripts and publications.
• Tracks and summarizes lab supply expenses. Verifies accuracy of invoices. Orders and maintains inventory of reagent, mice and/or lab supplies.
• Calibrate and validate laboratory equipment to ensure accuracy and precision in testing. Record and analyze data and report findings to senior laboratory staff.
• Maintain an organized and well-stocked laboratory by managing supplies, reagents, and equipment inventory. Place orders for necessary materials.
• Other job functions as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a scientific major or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience working with diverse groups of people.
• Working knowledge of computers, ability to troubleshoot, work independently, and function as a team member is essential. Therefore, experience in regular interaction with outside groups is highly desirable.
• Excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate effectively.
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to establish priorities, react promptly to a large variety of requests, and the ability to keep the workplace clean and organized.

Education

$40,560.00-$62,878.40 Salary

At Lurie Children's, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children's offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

• Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan servicing and support
• Adoption benefits
• Backup Childcare and Eldercare
• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
• Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities
• Discount purchasing program

There's a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children's, we embrace and celebrate building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that different life experiences strengthen our workplace and the care we provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.

Lurie Children's and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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