Sr. Staff Scientist

Department

BSD BMB - Perozo Lab

About the Department

The Center for Mechanical Excitability (CME) is dedicated to the study of the mechanobiome, the biological construct where forces are sensed, transduced, and exerted as part of a broad range of processes, both physiological and pathophysiological. Our approach covers a range of biological mechanisms both at the mesoscale and the nanoscale. We use an advanced toolkit that includes: biochemistry, biophysics, cell and molecular biology, structural biology and imaging, as well as AI-driven computational modeling and bioinformatics; all within the context of evolutionary biology
The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) 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 molecular 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. 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 Sr. Staff Scientist will lead a research program focused on genetic modifications in cnidarians (jellyfish, sea anemones, corals) with the express goal of developing specifically tagged-in genetic lines of the following species: Clytia haemispherica, Hydra vulgaris and Nematostella vectrensis.

Responsibilities

• 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.

• Creates first drafts for scientific writing and publications, including protocols and grants.

• Trains and mentors laboratory personnel.

• 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:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience in the genetic manipulation of invertebrate (cnidarian) model systems, and a general understanding of membrane protein biochemistry.

• Experience with the following:

  • Egg and embryo nucleic acid injections.

  • Gene knock-downs by RNAi methods.

  • Development of knock-in line using CRISPR/Cas9 methods.

  • In-situ hybridization.

  • Behavioral analyses (Prey killing assays).

  • Fluorescence imaging.

  • Cell fractionation.

• Experience in bioinformatics.

Working Conditions

• Wet Lab Environment.

• Weekend/Evening Hours: As Needed.

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

$64,000.00 - $92,000.00

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