Research Assistant

Department

BSD NRB - Freedman Lab

About the Department

We study how the nervous system works – how it is built, how it operates on cellular and systems levels, how drugs affect it, and how it is damaged in neurodegenerative diseases. Our faculty members continue to make cutting edge contributions to neurobiology research, attracting significant research grants from leading government agencies and charitable foundations. At the same time, the Department of Neurobiology is dedicated to cultivating young scientists who will take up the quest for discovery to benefit future generations. Our laboratories are teeming with some of the brightest minds in the world, all directed at studying the complexities of the brain.

Job Summary

The job provides technical support activities related to scientific research projects. Ensures compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates. Assists in drafting presentations on research findings.

Responsibilities

• Assisting in maintaining and documenting animal health and welfare.

• Training mice to perform computer-controlled behavioral tasks.

• Assisting in collecting, maintaining and analyzing behavioral, histological and neurophysiological data.

• Colony management.

• Surgical procedures.

• Managing day-to-day lab operations, maintaining and ordering supplies and equipment.

• Maintaining laboratory equipment and experiment rooms.

• Training and assisting new laboratory personnel.

• Collecting data.  Assisting in analyzing data and preparing reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• 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 in science.

Experience:

• Experience in animal research.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, excellent computer skills.

• Ability to work independently and follow detailed research protocols.

• Ability to produce written reports of work and procedures.

• Previous experience with behavioral or neurophysiological research.

• Undergraduate experience with neuroscience or related field (e.g., e.g. Molecular/Cell Biology, Experimental Psychology, Engineering, Physics or Computer Science).

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

Hourly

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FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

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Pay Range

$21.63 - $28.85

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