Research Assistant

Department
 

BSD MIC - Administration

About the Department
 

The Gerrick Lab is a new laboratory in the Department of Microbiology at the University of Chicago. The Microbiology Department is a community of enthusiastic and collaborative researchers studying a wide array of exciting topics in microbiology. In the Gerrick Lab, we study the gut microbiome and how this diverse constellation of microorganisms impacts the host. We are interested in commensal protists, virtually unstudied members of the gut microbiota, and how these fascinating microbes remodel the intestinal landscape. Our work seeks to understand how, through interactions with bacteria and diet, commensal protists influence the immune system and impact the host’s susceptibility to diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease. To accomplish this, we employ cutting-edge microbiology and molecular biology techniques along with both conventional and gnotobiotic mouse models.

Job Summary
 

The Research Assistant will contribute to scientific research projects to advance our understanding of commensal protists in the gut microbiota, with opportunities to perform independent research projects under supervision of the Principal Investigator and other lab members. This position will also be involved with writing protocols and manuscripts, and drafting presentations on research findings. In addition, they will assist with organizational responsibilities within the lab. This position will ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates.

This position is ideal for a recent college graduate looking to expand their research training. As a founding member of a new lab, this position provides a unique opportunity for hands-on mentorship and training from the Principal Investigator. The applicant will also have close collaborations with other researchers in the Gerrick Lab and the rest of the Department of Microbiology.

Responsibilities

• Be involved with planning, development, and execution of research in the laboratory.

• With moderate supervision, conduct and interpret experiments involving techniques such as culture of anaerobic organisms, DNA extraction, PCR, bacterial transformation, fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, RNA extraction, and RNA-Sequencing.

• Assist in management of mouse colony (e.g. breeding and genotyping) and experiments.

• Assist in organizing the laboratory (data, samples, supplies).

• Work collaboratively with the team and collaborators.

• Contribute to the writing of scientific manuscripts.

• Conduct literature reviews.

• Present results at regular group meetings.

• 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:

• Experience with basic laboratory techniques.

• Experience in microbiology, molecular biology, and/or parasitology.

• Experience working with laboratory animals.

​Preferred Competencies

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Working Conditions

• Lab environment.

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

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Fre