Research Techncian I, Dr.Loretta Li Lab

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.

LocationSimpson Querrey Biomedical Research Center

Job Description

Seeking a highly motivated candidate to fill a full-time position as a research technician in Dr. Loretta Li’s laboratory at Lurie Children’s Hospital / Northwestern University. We are a recently established translational leukemia research laboratory that uses a variety of biochemical, molecular, and cell biology approaches to identify new therapeutic targets, develop preclinical models of disease, and test novel therapeutics both in vitro and in vivo using mouse models. The research technician would work on a project studying acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The successful candidate will be a team player capable of handling multiple tasks and adaptable to a fast-paced research environment.

Essential Job Functions:

The research technician will conduct experiments to advance the research progress in the lab. The research technician will also assist with tasks to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the lab. The successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

Operation and maintenance of standard lab equipment.

Maintenance of cell lines in culture and testing novel therapeutics using in vitro proliferation assays.

Preparation of reagents and media used in lab experiments.

Basic handling of DNA and RNA including sample isolation, PCR, and preparation of samples for sequencing.

Protein isolation from cells and primary murine samples, Western blotting, and immunoprecipitation experiments.

Multi-color flow cytometry.

Transfection and retroviral / lentiviral transduction of murine and human cells for overexpression experiments or CRISPR-Cas9 knockout experiments.

Possible CRISPR guide RNA design and molecular cloning.

Possible testing of novel therapeutics in mouse models of leukemia. Previous experience working with mice is preferred.

Shared responsibility with other lab members for lab maintenance including possible ordering and stocking of laboratory supplies and maintenance of lab inventory.

Maintaining detailed records of their laboratory work, results, and data analyses.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's degree in biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or a related field is required.

Previous lab/bench research experience and familiarity with some of the techniques listed above required.

Experience handling mice is preferred. This includes experience with breeding and weaning the animals, bleeding the mice, tail vein injections, IV, IP, and PO dosing, and necropsy.

Attention to detail in completing tasks and a strong work ethic is essential. This includes a willingness to critically read and keep up to date on the latest scientific literature, logically troubleshoot problems, and offer both intellectual and technical input during collaborative meetings.

The candidate should have flexibility in their schedule to work on weekends and some evenings as needed to meet project goals.

Working knowledge of computers, ability to work independently, and function as a team member is essential. Therefore, experience in regular interaction with outside groups is highly desirable.

Excellent command of the English language and the ability to communicate effectively. This includes the ability to synthesize research findings for presentation in both oral and written formats.

Strong organizational skills and a “can do” attitude. This includes the ability to establish priorities, react promptly to a large variety of requests, and the ability to keep the workplace clean and organized.

Education

Benefit Statement

For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Employer paid group term life and disability

Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account

Flexible Spending Accounts

Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave

403(b) with a 5% employer match

Various voluntary benefits:

Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability

Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage

Tuition assistance

Student loan servicing and support

Adoption benefits

Backup Childcare and Eldercare

Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members

Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities

Discount purchasing program

There’s a Place for You with Us

At Lurie Children’s we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.

Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Support email:

JR2024-144