Staff Scientist

Department

BSD MGC - Ruthenburg Lab

About the Department

Collectively, members of the Department of Molecular Genetics and Cell biology are engaged in investigating molecular aspects of biological phenomena that operate on a cellular scale. Faculty research employs a combination of advanced microscopy, genetic analysis, and molecular characterization to study the temporal and spatial mechanisms that underlie the essential functions of cells and of their interactions with other cells that are necessary for the regular development of multicellular organisms. Faculty use many of the field’s traditional model organisms in their work and are pushing into emerging model and non-model organisms that are proving uniquely valuable in particular studies. To learn more about our department, https://mgcb.uchicago.edu/about.

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 Staff Scientist will lead, execute, and support advanced technical and scientific research initiatives. This role involves performing and optimizing sequencing methodologies, as well as designing, testing, and interpreting hypotheses related to molecular and cellular biological function. The Staff Scientist will play a key role in advancing the understanding of biological systems through rigorous experimentation and data-driven insights, contributing to long-term research goals focused on understanding adaptive mechanisms across physiological and evolutionary timescales.

This position requires a highly innovative thinker capable of driving the development and optimization of novel assays while integrating emerging technologies into existing workflows.

Responsibilities

• Designs, develops, and optimizes assays, including next-generation sequencing approaches.
• Conducts experiments to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms.
• Develops and tests hypotheses, and translating findings into actionable insights.
• Presents work at scientific meetings and provides peer review of grant applications and scientific manuscripts.
• Serves as a resource for collecting data and performing analysis. Contributes to facilitating and promoting a research project by providing scientific or intellectual information.
• Reviews laboratory protocols and training on new techniques. Manage complex data sets for research.
• Leads the contributions to scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.
• 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 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Competencies

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to train others.
• Attention to detail.
• Organizational skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under performance and time-related stress.

Working Conditions

• Lab Environment.
• Weekend/evening hours, occasionally.

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

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $90,000.00

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