Research Technician

Department
 

BSD BMB - Sosnick Lab

About the Department
 

The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology studies how biomolecules function and interact to drive the complex, diverse, and adaptive behaviors of living systems. Our focus is on biological mechanisms described at the atomic level. We are highly collaborative and often employ multiple approaches to address otherwise intractable questions. We have particular strengths in membrane proteins and RNA biochemistry and are pioneers in all areas of biophysics, structural biology, biochemistry, and protein engineering and design. Please explore our programs further at https://biochem.uchicago.edu/. 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.

Job Summary
 

The Research Technician will support research projects to test the role of novel ion channels and transporters identified in various genetic screens and study the immune responses by innate and adaptive immune cells. Experiments will utilize a suite of cellular and molecular biology techniques, murine models of infection, autoimmunity and cancer.

Highly successful applicants are independent, have a drive to succeed, are genuinely excited about the research, and can work positively as part of the lab team. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work with advanced lab and analytic methods and be supported in career development.

Responsibilities

• Conduct molecular dynamics simulations of proteins using replica exchange protocols.

• Develop high throughput methods to analyze 1000’s of protein folding trajectories including their hydrogen exchange patterns by programming in python.

• Coordinate transfer of mass spectroscopy data from the Rocklin Group (Northwestern) to Sosnick Group (UChicago).

• Maintain data base of mass spectroscopy data.

• Design statistical methods to evaluate agreement between mass spectroscopy data and simulations, in particular, the protein thermodynamics and dynamics. 

• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.

• Analyzes and maintains data. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.

• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through < 2 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry, biophysics or related area.

Experience:

• Familiarity with the analysis of protein folding simulations through programing using iPython notebooks.

• Knowledge of protein chemistry and thermodynamics.

• Experience in protein visualization.

• Experience in bioinformatics.

​Preferred Competencies

• Effective communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Problem solving skills and adaptability to changes in technological and scientific directions.

Working Conditions

• Lab Environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (preferred)

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

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, 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.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

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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