Research Technician
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

BSD E&E - Administration

About the Department

The Kuehn Laboratory in the Department of Ecology and Evolution and the Center for the Physics of Evolving Sciences in the Biological Sciences Division at the University of Chicago researches quantitative microbial ecology and evolution.

Evolution has constructed persistent and functional biological systems from the molecular to organismal and ecological scales. What are the principles by which evolution has generated these systems? What aspects of eco-evolutionary processes can be predicted? We are asking these questions at the ecological level in the context of microbial communities - key metabolic players in the global eco-evolutionary process. In particular, we would like to know: How do microbial communities function? What are the molecular mechanisms? Why has evolution resulted in the microbial community structures we observe in nature?

The successes of physics in describing non-living matter have taught us that we must do phenomenology first -- that is, provide quantitative, phenomenological, descriptions of precisely how microbial communities function. In essence, we need to establish which are the right variables to describe microbial community structure, metabolic function, and dynamics. Armed with this knowledge we can then ask - what are the molecular and mechanistic bases of these variables? Finally, why has the evolutionary process resulted in the collective variables we observe?

To accomplish this we (1) Study ensembles of communities with well-defined functional properties and uncover the relevant variables for mapping structure to function using statistical and phenomenological methods; (2) Understand what molecular players and mechanisms are responsible for the collective variables describing community structure and function -- interactions, gene expression, and metabolism; (3) Using synthetic communities in the laboratory and observations on natural ecosystems we hope to determine why the structure-function relationships we observe in (a) and the mechanisms of (b) are present in natural microbial ecosystems.

Job Summary

The Kuehn Laboratory at the University of Chicago is seeking a Research Technician to provide technical support related to scientific research projects. Ensure compliance of research activities with institutional, state, and federal regulatory policies, procedures, directives and mandates.

Responsibilities

• Maintains lab inventory, including reagent (eg PCR, 16S seq). Maintains equipment including -80C defrost, milliQ maintain. Autoclave cleaning, and backup glassware wash/autoclave. Liquid N2 refill, hazardous and solid waste pickup, orchestration of pipette and balance calibration, maintains chemical inventory, alerts lab to equipment failures submits tickets for repair work and follows up with repair team and/or vendor. Coordinates quarterly lab clean-up,
• Collects and enters data. Assists in analyzing data. Assists with the preparation of reports and protocols.
• Provides technical and administrative support for a research project.
• Assists with the installation, sets up and performs experiments; interacting with students and other laboratory staff under the direction of the principal investigator.
• Performs 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:

• University degree in a biological sciences discipline.

Experience:

• Familiarity with a research laboratory environment.

Preferred Competencies

• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Communicate both orally and in writing.
• Work alone and as part of a group.
• Strong attention to detail.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe 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

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, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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