Research Technician

Department
 

BSD E&E - Administration

About the Department
 

The Kreiner (kreinerlab.com) and Carley (carleylab.uchicago.edu) labs in the Department of Ecology & Evolution at The University of Chicago seek to hire a shared Research Technician to start in the summer of 2024. This is a full-time (40h/week), in-person position with responsibility and time split 50/50 across the two research groups.

Job Summary
 

The Research Technician will provide scientific and logistical support for ongoing and new research projects in both labs. Responsibilities will include a mix of wet lab work, dry lab work, and some field collections, as well as overseeing lab logistics like procuring and stocking equipment and reagents. While not required as a part of the position, motivated candidates will be encouraged to develop more advanced research skills and may also assist with data analysis and manuscript preparation.

Responsibilities

• Wet lab benchwork, including DNA extraction and library preparation.

• Plant care, phenotyping, and tissue collection.

• Dry lab work including handling, measuring, and/or weighing plant tissue.

• Data entry.

• Assistance with the collection of samples and seeds from field sites around the Midwest.

• Logistical and managerial support to the labs, including assistance with procuring and stocking equipment and reagents, managing inventory of research supplies, coordinating usage of shared equipment across lab personnel, and overseeing lab safety compliance and training.

• Contribute to data analysis and manuscript preparation, and/or build skills toward this capacity.

• Assist in analyzing data; assist with preparation of reports, manuscripts, and other documents.

• Assist with the installation, setup and performing experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigators.

• May assist recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; and providing general administrative support. Is developing skills in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.

• Perform 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).

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in biology, ecology, plant science, or a related field.

Experience: 

• Experience with molecular biology benchwork.

Preferred Competencies

• Detail-oriented and ability to multitask.

• Ability to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to follow research protocols carefully and with attention to detail.

• Strong organizational skills: ability to effectively manage time and a diversity of tasks.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite.

• Ability to perform light/medium work, which includes bending and stooping to collect plant specimens from various field locations.

• Ability to travel around campus and to off-campus locations.

• Ability to lift 40 pounds.

• Ability to sit or stand for up 4 hours.

Working Conditions

• This is an onsite campus position which includes time spent in the University’s Greenhouse.

• Outdoor Field Work required.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

• A list of three references with contact information (required)

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

FLSA Status
 

Non-Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Biweekly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

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