Research Technical Assistant

Department
BSD MGC - Pincus Lab

About the Department
The Molecular Genetics and Cell Biology (MGCB) department at the University of Chicago is the home to cutting edge research using quantitative molecular approaches to reveal fundamental principles of cell and development biology.

Job Summary
The Research Technical Assistant will explore the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying replicative aging in budding yeast. Working under direct supervision, this role utilizes cutting-edge tools including 3D-printed mini-chemostat aging devices, flow cytometry, and timelapse fluorescence microscopy. This is an entry-level position ideal for a recent graduate eager to gain hands-on research experience. Prior exposure to 3D printing, yeast culture, or flow cytometry is a plus.


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

• Culture and maintain budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) strains, including preparation of media and plates, strain propagation, and cryopreservation of frozen stocks.
• Fabricate, assemble, and maintain 3D-printed mini-chemostat aging devices, and assist with iterative improvements to their design.
• Perform replicative aging experiments, including operating aging devices and tracking yeast cell populations over time.
• Prepare samples for and operate a flow cytometer to collect single-cell fluorescence measurements.
• Set up and acquire timelapse fluorescence microscopy of live yeast cells.
• Carry out routine molecular biology techniques such as PCR, yeast transformation, cloning, and plasmid preparation.
• Record, organize, and enter experimental data, and maintain accurate, up-to-date laboratory records.
• Support general laboratory operations, including ordering reagents and supplies, maintaining equipment, and keeping shared spaces organized.
• Assist with data analysis and preparation of figures for lab meetings, reports, and manuscripts under supervision.
• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.
• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
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.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in related field.

Experience:

• Experience with 3D printing, yeast culture, and/or flow cytometry.

Preferred Competencies

• Ability to follow experimental protocols carefully and reproducibly while maintaining accurate, well-organized records across multiple concurrent experiments.
• Ability to work independently on routine tasks, recognize when to seek guidance, and a willingness to learn new experimental and computational techniques.
• Basic quantitative skills for handling, plotting, and interpreting data, with the ability to troubleshoot common equipment and protocol issues.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team-based laboratory environment.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (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
No

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.

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