Research Technician

Department

BSD CCC - Cancer Research Lab

About the Department

The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC) is an integral component of the Biological Sciences Division (BSD). The BSD is the largest of four Divisions of the University and includes the Pritzker School of Medicine. UCCCC administers four established scientific programs, and the NCI-sponsored Cancer Center Support Grant funds ten Shared Resources. The Comprehensive Cancer Center comprises over 190 faculty members from twenty departments, with members currently being awarded over $47 million in total direct costs in peer-reviewed cancer research grants, and $28 million in non-peer-reviewed grants and contracts. The activities of the Center are broad and varied, including research, training and education, communications, fundraising, marketing, clinical trials management, and community outreach.

UCCCC has one of the largest cancer clinical trials programs in the country and in the Chicago area, with nearly 500 adult and pediatric therapeutic trials actively accruing patients. Many of these studies are investigator-initiated, including Phase I or I/II trials, demonstrating UCCCC's commitment to translating basic research findings to the clinic through proof-of-principle and early-phase studies. UCCCC opens over 250 new trials each year and accrues approximately 900 participants to therapeutic trials each year.

Job Summary

Lab technicians at the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center work on various tasks in our gynecologic cancer lab. The work includes cell culture, genomics, metabolomics, and molecular biology using animal models, established cancer cell lines, and human specimens. This position is also expected to perform data analysis, generate reports, and perform general lab duties related to equipment maintenance and materials inventories. This is a rare and fantastic opportunity to use current knowledge and expand your skills.

The successful candidate will work in a dynamic and growing environment as part of the gynecologic cancer research group on the 10th floor of the Knapp Center for Biological Discovery, which has the best views of Lake Michigan on campus. The 10th-floor lab environment includes monthly socials to meet technicians and researchers in other labs. This is an opportunity for you to join a leading gynecological cancer research team that is making strides in the fight against cancer.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment, performing basic laboratory techniques and analysis under direction.
• Acquires and maintains competency in routine techniques, including but not limited to Western blotting, qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence.
• Assists with laboratory operations, including ordering and general maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in the analysis of data and with the preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.
• Complies with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Some weekend hours required.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in molecular biology, biochemistry, biology, or other related fields.

Experience:

• Previous experience in a laboratory setting.
• Performing cell culture.
• Mouse handling, tissue harvest, and analysis.
• Performing and analyzing functional assays such as cell culture, Western blotting, qPCR, or immunofluorescence.
• Performing and analyzing molecular biology assays.

Preferred Competencies