Research Technical Assistant

Research Technical AssistantThe Research Technical Assistant will join the University of Chicago Department of Microbiology, a program with a distinguished legacy of training over 200 Ph.D. graduates who have gone on to achieve national and international recognition. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research at the Randall Laboratory, where scientists investigate virus-host interactions to advance our understanding of viral replication and pathogenesis — work with meaningful implications for antiviral therapeutic development worldwide. The Research Technical Assistant will play an essential supporting role in the day-to-day operations of a fast-paced virology research environment.Responsibilities span routine laboratory maintenance and organization — including inventory management, equipment sterilization, reagent and media preparation, and safe biohazardous waste disposal — as well as direct experimental assistance in mammalian and bacterial cell culture, virology and microbiology workflows, and core molecular biology techniques such as PCR, molecular cloning, DNA/RNA extraction, and gel electrophoresis. The role requires meticulous documentation of experimental protocols and results in lab notebooks and digital databases, as well as preparation of data summaries for lab meeting presentations. All work will be conducted in accordance with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) protocols and institutional safety standards. The Research Technical Assistant will also collaborate closely with fellow lab members, contributing to a team-oriented culture built on scientific rigor and shared purpose. This position is well-suited for a motivated individual eager to build foundational research skills while contributing to high-impact infectious disease science.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.Minimum QualificationsEducation: 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.Preferred QualificationsEducation: Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Biological or Chemical Science.Experience: Working wet-lab experiences in one of the following fields: molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, immunology, or microbiology. Fundamental pipetting and solution-preparation skills. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) for data entry, record keeping, and maintenance of research documentation.Preferred CompetenciesAbility to design and interpret complex experiments, synthesize data across multiple systems, and translate findings into testable hypotheses.Working ConditionsLab environment, including wet laboratory and animal laboratory.Application DocumentsResume (required) Cover Letter (preferred)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: Hourly FLSA Status: Non-Exempt 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 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.The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.