Research Analyst

University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Research Analyst position at the University of Chicago's Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology involves active participation in various research projects, particularly focusing on the maintenance of tissue culture and cell lines. The role requires the individual to manage the tissue culture room, ensuring that all flasks and culture spaces are properly maintained and cleaned. The Research Analyst will also be responsible for the dissemination of cell stocks to lab members, which is crucial for ongoing experiments and research activities. In addition to tissue culture responsibilities, the Research Analyst will engage in molecular biology tasks, including site-directed mutagenesis, subcloning into plasmids, and large protein expression. These tasks are essential for biophysical and structural studies, which are a significant part of the department's research focus. The position also includes general lab maintenance duties, such as ordering supplies through the Oracle system and assisting other lab personnel with administrative tasks. The Research Analyst will apply research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge to manage lab and research-related duties with moderate direction. This includes supporting data collection and analytical needs for research projects, conducting literature reviews, and assisting in the writing of reports and manuscripts. The role requires a keen eye for detail, as the analyst will need to recognize abnormal results and adjust procedures accordingly to ensure the integrity of the research. Overall, this position is integral to the lab's operations, contributing to the development, design, and execution of research projects while ensuring compliance with various policies and procedures. The Research Analyst will also perform other related work as needed, making this a dynamic and engaging role within a collaborative research environment.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance of insect and mammalian cell lines in tissue culture.
• Maintenance and cleaning of culture flasks and tissue culture spaces.
• Dissemination of cell stocks to lab members.
• Ordering and stocking of consumables and reagents for the lab.
• Molecular cloning tasks, including restriction cloning, Gibson assembly, and site-directed mutagenesis, when required by the project.
• Baculovirus production and small and large-scale protein preparations using chromatography, as needed.
• Coordination and assistance with other lab members on biophysical experiments and structural biology.
• Applies research principles and relevant subject matter knowledge relevant to administer a research project.
• With a moderate level of direction, manages lab and/or research-related duties and tasks.
• Helps develop, design and conduct research projects according to plan.
• Supports data collection and analytical needs of research projects.
• Conducts literature reviews and helps write reports and manuscripts.
• Ensures project compliance with different policies, procedures, directives, and mandates.
• Takes responsibility for the following laboratory duties: recognizing abnormal results and varying conditions or procedures to correct problems; setting up and performing experiments.
• Analyze the meaning, significance, causes, and effects of the subject.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with molecular cloning and large-scale protein production for structural biology is strongly preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible scheduling options