Research Specialist - Gallon Lab Division of Nephrology

Hiring Department: Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology

Location: Chicago, IL USA

Requisition ID: 1024295

Posting Close Date: April 24, 2024

About the University of Illinois at Chicago

UIC is among the nation’s preeminent urban public research universities, a Carnegie RU/VH research institution, and the largest university in Chicago. UIC serves over 34,000 students, comprising one of the most diverse student bodies in the nation and is designated as a Minority Serving Institution (MSI), an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution (AANAPSI) and a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). Through its 16 colleges, UIC produces nationally and internationally recognized multidisciplinary academic programs in concert with civic, corporate and community partners worldwide, including a full complement of health sciences colleges. By emphasizing cutting-edge and transformational research along with a commitment to the success of all students, UIC embodies the dynamic, vibrant and engaged urban university. Recent “Best Colleges” rankings published by U.S. News & World Report, found UIC climbed up in its rankings among top public schools in the nation and among all national universities. UIC has nearly 260,000 alumni, and is one of the largest employers in the city of Chicago.

Position Summary:

This position contributes to the design and delivery of research projects and collaborates with researchers to develop, execute and interpret research projects. Performs complex laboratory and data collection techniques.

The Gallon Lab in the Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago is seeking a talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidate for the position of Research Specialist to participate in impactful research in transplantation aimed to determine molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying kidney disease and rejection in transplant patients.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The Research Specialist will actively participate in biobanking activities and contribute to collaborative translational research in transplant immunology by using techniques of cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and proteomics, as well as maintaining the day-to-day needs of the lab.

The successful candidate will be pro-active, highly organized, passionate about research, positively embrace teamwork while eagerly working toward independent proficiency to perform new skills and responsibilities as assigned.

• Participate in biobanking activities.

•Supports collaborative research projects under limited supervision by conducting routine techniques of molecular and cellular biology, immunology, biochemistry, and proteomics with increasing independence.

• Maintains clear, accurate, complete, and timely reports of experiments and generated data.

• Maintains day-to-day lab materials and supplies including assistance with lab organization, maintaining stock and inventory, ordering supplies, and looks after general maintenance of the lab in accordance with safe laboratory standards.

• Perform scientific literature search and assist with preparation of presentations, grants, and publications.

• Performs other related duties and participates in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in science or related field required. Masters degree in science preferred

A minimum of 3 years of related research experience

Possesses and applies comprehensive knowledge of research principles, concepts, practices and methods.

Proficient in specific lab research techniques.

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous experience in biobank activities and handling of clinical samples.

Experience in the following techniques:

• Molecular Biology: DNA, RNA, and protein extraction; cloning; PCR; qRT-PCR; recombinant virus production and purification.

• Cellular Biology: Mammalian cell culture (primary and cell lines), DNA transformation, transfection, and transduction; isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma from whole blood; cell isolation; functional studies.

• Biochemistry: SDS-PAGE; western blotting.

• Immunology: ELISA; Cytokine assay; Flow cytometry.

• Proteomics: immune precipitation; sample preparation for mass spectrometry.

• Microscopy: phase contrast; fluorescence.

Experience with -omics technologies and computational biology/bioinformatics is advantageous.

Willingness to develop new skills and increasingly work independently, once proficient.

Well-organized with attention to detail.

Good time management.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to work as part of a collaborative team.

Proficiency with Office suite (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

Knowledge of basic statistics.

Possesses and applies basic knowledge of biologic sciences, biomedical research principles, concepts, practices, and methods which have been developed through related research experience.

The applicant is required to complete the University electronic job application through https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/9209?c=uic and must include a cover letter expressing specific research and career interest(s); curriculum vitae including skills, accomplishments, and publications; and contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University of Illinois Chicago is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or status as an individual with a disability. https://uic.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/3388?c=uic

Request and Accommodation at https://jobs.uic.edu/request-and-accomodation/

Offers of employment by the University of Illinois may be subject to approval by the University’s Board of Trustees and are made contingent upon the candidate’s successful completion of any criminal background checks and other pre-employment assessments that may be required for the position being offered. Additional information regarding such pre-employment checks and assessments may be provided as applicable during the hiring process.

As a qualifying federal contractor, the University of Illinois System uses E-Verify to verify employment eligibility.

The University of Illinois System requires candidates selected for hire to disclose any documented finding of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment and to authorize inquiries to current and former employers regarding findings of sexual misconduct or sexual harassment. For more information, visit https://www.hr.uillinois.edu/cms/One.aspx?portalId=4292&pageId=1411899

University of Illinois faculty, staff and students are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are not able to receive the vaccine for medical or religious reasons, you may seek approval for an exemption in accordance with applicable University processes.