Staff Scientist

Department BSD MED - Genetic Medicine - De Jesus Research Staff About the Department The De Jesus Laboratory studies the role of RNA modifications, particularly N6-methyladenosine (m6A), in pancreatic islet biology and diabetes. This Laboratory combines molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, genetic models, and human islet studies to understand mechanisms regulating β-cell function, stress responses, and disease progression in diabetes. The De Jesus Laboratory develops and applies cutting-edge sequencing technologies, including single-cell epitranscriptomic approaches, to investigate gene regulation in endocrine cells. Job Summary The Staff Scientist will lead and support research projects focused on epitranscriptomic regulation of pancreatic islet biology and diabetes. The individual will design and execute experimental studies examining m6A-mediated gene regulation using biochemical, molecular, genomic, and computational approaches. Responsibilities include developing and optimizing sequencing-based assays, conducting bioinformatic analyses of large genomic datasets, mentoring trainees, contributing to manuscript and grant preparation, and supporting collaborative projects involving human pancreatic islets. The Staff Scientist will play a central role in developing and implementing advanced methodologies including J2 immunoprecipitation sequencing (J2-IP-seq), m6A profiling approaches, single-cell m6A sequencing, and integrative multi-omics analyses. Responsibilities Designs, develops, and implements experimental protocols related to RNA biology, epitranscriptomics, and pancreatic islet function. Leads projects investigating m6A regulation in β-cells and other endocrine cell populations. Develops, optimizes, and performs J2-IP-seq and related RNA sequencing methodologies. Develops and advances single-cell m6A sequencing approaches and associated analytical pipelines. Performs bioinformatic analyses of bulk and single-cell sequencing datasets, including RNA-seq, single-cell RNA-seq, and epitranscriptomic datasets. Integrates multi-omics datasets to identify molecular mechanisms relevant to diabetes and islet biology. Analyzes and interprets large genomic datasets and develops reproducible computational workflows. Collaborates with internal and external investigators on genomics and bioinformatics projects. Mentors graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, technicians, and undergraduate researchers. Contributes to manuscript preparation, grant writing, and progress reports. Presents research findings at scientific meetings and collaborative forums. Assists with laboratory management, research planning, and training activities. 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. 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: — Preferred Qualifications Experience: Background working with pancreatic islet research and diabetes-related studies. Background working with human tissue research and genomic technologies. Understanding of bioinformatics and statistical analysis of large-scale genomic datasets. Familiar with next-generation sequencing technologies and data analysis. Analyzing single-cell transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic datasets. Comfortable mentoring students and staff, a strong publication record, and a demonstrated commitment to excellence in research. Technical Skills or Knowledge: Knowledge of J2-IP-seq, RNA immunoprecipitation methods, and sequencing-based technologies. Knowledge of single-cell m6A sequencing methodologies and data interpretation. Knowledge of molecular biology, RNA biology, and epitranscriptomic mechanisms. Preferred Competencies Analytical skills. Problem-solving skills. Attention to detail. Organizational skills. Verbal and written communication skills. Work independently and as part of a team. 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. 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 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. 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