Research Archivist, Part-Time: Temporal Bone Lab

Department

BSD SUR - OHNS: Research

About the Department

Patients who come to UChicago Medicine with head and neck diseases can rest assured that our experts’ internationally recognized expertise enables them to offer the most advanced and innovative approaches to the management of otolaryngology (ENT) disorders. Subspecialists are equipped to treat allergies, inner ear and hearing disorders, head and neck cancers, speech and voice disorders, and much more. Our diverse programs ensure every patient utilizes their senses as best as possible in order to lead healthy and productive lives.

Through the section’s comprehensive research efforts, faculty members and researchers hope to find new and better ways of treating a broad range of diseases. One such research project that has received widespread national attention and support is Project Aspire and its sister project the Thirty Million Words Initiative—they aim to use family-centered curriculum and parent language to bridge the achievement gap between groups of children.

Job Summary

The University of Chicago- Section of Otolaryngology is searching for an experienced and passionate part-time archivist for the Temporal Bone Lab. The role involves maintaining and digitizing all temporal bone specimens, slides, and related files, ensuring they are in good condition and easily searchable. This includes processing new and existing specimens, managing inventory and lab supplies, and maintaining processing timetables and websites. The position also supports researchers by providing necessary specimens and performing other related tasks as needed.

Responsibilities

Archiving:

• Maintain all slide boxes and slides in good condition.

• Continue to digitize all paper files into electronic format with typed summaries.

• Continue to identify the actual temporal bone specimens corresponding to the paper files.

• Continue to find and turn into searchable PDF's all U of C temporal bone publications.

• Continue to identify the actual specimen and slide number for each image in every U of C temporal bone histopathology publication.

• Applying a universal deidentified numbering system.

• Maintaining electronic archives of all the materials.

• Digitizing all the slides = approximately 4,000 specimens with 200 slides each.

• Managing all the image data.

Branching out into tissue management:

• Processing temporal bones currently in formalin (hundreds).

• Processing temporal bones currently decalcified and waiting to be embedded (hundreds).

• Sectioning and staining embedded specimens.

• Acquisition of new specimens.

• Processing of those new specimens.

Lab maintenance:

• Inventorying and ordering of all supplies.

• Managing the processing timetables - which is 18 months for each bone.

• Maintenance of all websites.

• Supplying researchers with their necessary specimens.

Other:

• This job provides technical and administrative support in a laboratory environment performing basic laboratory techniques, research and analysis under direction.

• Provides routine or standardized laboratory duties by collecting data in support of research projects under direct supervision.

• Collects and enters data. Assists in analysis of data and with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.

• Complies with institution, state and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.

• 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 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Two years of previous work experience managing, preserving, and providing access to documents, records, and artifacts within an archive setting.

• Familiarity with the research process, ability to work independently and in a team.

Preferred Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Strong organizational skills and strong interpersonal skills.

• Skills in cataloging, research, and handling delicate materials