Research Analyst

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 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 atomic level. We are highly collaboratory 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. Please explore our programs further at https://biochem.uchicago.edu/.

Job Summary
 

The Research Analyst will assist with scientific projects in a molecular neurobiology research laboratory that focuses on mechanobiological processes using cnidarian (jellyfish, anemones etc.) and zebrafish as model organisms.

Responsibilities

• Maintains a clean and healthy cnidarian marine habitat for Clytia, Hydra, Nematostella and Aurelia colonies.
• Carries out maintenance and general husbandry of genetically modified Zebrafish lines.
• Engages with ongoing projects to define the molecular and cellular basis of nematocyte fitting.
• Contributes to the development of a cnidarian battery cell connectome using volume reconstruction methods.
• Maintains technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Analyzes and maintains data and/or specimens. Conducts literature reviews. Assists with preparation of reports, manuscripts and other documents.
• Installs, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Maintains recruiting and scheduling research subjects; assisting with developing or amending study protocols; assisting with developing data collection tools; assisting with building databases; and providing general administrative support. Has general awareness in research techniques or methods, regulatory policies and procedures, and relevant scientific field.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

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

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

​Experience:

• Performing experiments in the areas of electrophysiology, neurobiology, or imaging.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of standard functional neurobiology research techniques.
• Familiarity with standard laboratory equipment and common data analysis software.

Preferred Competencies

• Work independently in an organized, detailed manner and as part of a collaborative team.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.
• Weekend/evening hours as needed.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
• Cover Letter (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
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

No

Health Screen Required
 

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability